KVM Usage
- Troubleshoot problems
- Install Linux / *BSD remotely
- Access BIOS and change settings remotely
- Access the server even if network is down
- Access the server even if it is very busy or has stopped responding to network connections.
- Reset root password
- Run fsck and lots of other stuff
KVM over IP
KVM over IP devices are typically connected to a system's standby power plane so that you can see entire boot process or access BIOS. They work over TCP/IP. You can access your server using a web browser or standalone client application provided by vendor.With this technology you can control entire server rack from the office, or around the world. Most KVM switch integrates KVM and serial devices into a single management console for all your servers, network devices and infrastructure.
Today you don't have to put external KVM devices hanging off the back of the server rack. You need to just insert add-on card (daughtercards) to enable KVM support.
Typical implementation
--------------+To manage server you need to connect server via VPN client. Once logged in you can access each server using KVM even if public network is down. Public router allows rest of the world access your web or mail server but not KVM device.
| Server Rack |
+-------------+
| Server 1 | ===> VPN Router
| Server 2 |
| Server 3 | ---> Public Router
| Server N |
| KVM Switch |
+-------------+
KVM in Action
First, connect to your backend network using VPN client.Once connected open KVM application supplied by your vendor. Following is application supplied by Supermicro vendor
(Fig. 01: Login Screen - Click to enlarge image)
(Fig. 02: Connected to my KVM device - Click to enlarge image)
(Fig. 03: Server sensor data - Click to enlarge image)
(Fig. 03: Accessing RHEL server using remote console - Click to enlarge image)
(Fig. 05: Control Server Power Remotely - Click to enlarge image)
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