I know many folks prefer to use IPMI if it's included and save the expense. But if you needed a rack based KVM - with or without IP, which is the one that works best for Home Lab type usage? (read: Cheap on eBay, doesn't need licenses to activate, doesn't have pods that cost more than the server you're managing).
From what I know:
* The Belkin OmniView Pro3, included on a Belkin 1U console or not (F1DC101H/F1DC108H/F1DC116H) works pretty good, the USB based cables are not to badly priced - but they come with fixed length cables and are "pairs" of servers per cable. Usable, but not preferable
* Avocent DSR's of various models - there was a few lines that ONLY worked with the management software, they had no GUI or device connectivity themselves, they sort of burnt me off using them. I know there are others that DO work directly via console to the device, but uncertain as to which.
* Dell IP KVM's appear to all be Avocent rebranded - but may or may not require the licences. However, they all seem to burn out prematurely.
Features I'd like:
* 1U
* 16+ ports
* USB only would be fine, I don't do SUN or PS/2 stuff
* Single IP console user is fine
* No client software, no licenses
* KVM pods that use Cat5 cabling and are less than.... $20/node?
Any suggestions?
From what I know:
* The Belkin OmniView Pro3, included on a Belkin 1U console or not (F1DC101H/F1DC108H/F1DC116H) works pretty good, the USB based cables are not to badly priced - but they come with fixed length cables and are "pairs" of servers per cable. Usable, but not preferable
* Avocent DSR's of various models - there was a few lines that ONLY worked with the management software, they had no GUI or device connectivity themselves, they sort of burnt me off using them. I know there are others that DO work directly via console to the device, but uncertain as to which.
* Dell IP KVM's appear to all be Avocent rebranded - but may or may not require the licences. However, they all seem to burn out prematurely.
Features I'd like:
* 1U
* 16+ ports
* USB only would be fine, I don't do SUN or PS/2 stuff
* Single IP console user is fine
* No client software, no licenses
* KVM pods that use Cat5 cabling and are less than.... $20/node?
Any suggestions?