Selecting a KVM Rackmount Drawer
In today's server room environment, many different devices may be present that require constant monitoring, testing, and control. A Rackmount LCD KVM Drawer is one of the best tools on the market that can be used for managing multiple servers or computers. Different KVM drawer manufacturers have developed hundreds of Rackmount KVM Drawer modifications to suit any need that you may have. Use the information provided here to develop an idea of exactly which type of KVM drawer is perfect for your application.
KVM drawers will generally come with standard KVM features, like keyboard, mouse, and video connectivity. They feature a built in LCD display, keyboard, and mouse. Different displays and keyboard/mouse formats can be chosen to suit individual preferences.
First, you need to recognize what type of connectivity you need on the drawer so it can function with the servers and devices that you will be connecting. The most important connectors are the video and peripheral. KVM drawers can be purchased to work with PS2, USB, or SUN devices. Some drawers incorporate a combination of two or even all three of the peripheral types. So, if you need to mix and match between peripherals, make sure you check out the specifications of your desired model to see that it can connect to multi-platform servers. PS2 KVM drawers are designed to work specifically with PS2 keyboard/mouse based devices. USB KVM drawers work strictly with USB 1.0/1.1/2.0 based devices. Finally, SUN KVM drawers work with SUN based servers/computers, but these are most often found with compatible PS2 or USB control. All KVM drawers feature a built in keyboard and mouse, and you can select custom formats to suit individual needs. For example, mice are available as touchpads, trackpads, or cherry ball format. Keyboards come with and without numeric keypads. Along with peripheral connectivity, video format is an essential feature of KVM drawers. Like servers and computers, most drawers support DVI or VGA video. Screen resolution depends on the manufacturer and video format. Actual screen features on the drawer are also designed to suit the need of the customer. Almost every screen on the market is durable TFT LCD, while some are available with anti-glare or privacy screen features.
Once you have decided what peripherals and video format you will need, you can start focusing on sizes. All rackmount LCD KVM drawers fit into 1U or 2U of rack space. Screen sizes are available in 15', 17', 19', and even 20'. Depending on user preference and budget restrictions, users can chose different sizes. Also, different depth options are available for KVM drawers. Depth sizes range from 17.3' to 25.6'. Many drawers feature a customizable depth option, where users can adjust the rackmount drawer to fit their desired depth length.
Some KVM drawers are incorporated together with KVM switches. These devices are perfect for developing a centrally located and managed server room solution. With a KVM drawer/KVM switch combo, users are able to connect all of their servers/computers to one rackmount KVM drawer and monitor all activity right there at the rack. Rackmount KVM drawer and KVM switch combinations are available in PS2, USB, DVI, VGA, SUN, IP, and multi-platform! Check out this article on KVM switches to learn more information about different KVM switch formats so you can decide the right combination.
KVM Equipment offers a huge variety of every type of rackmount LCD KVM drawer on their online store. Check out the inventory and give one of their 24/7 sales employees a call at 877-277-9586 if you have any questions or concerns!