Out-of-band networking specialist MRV Communications introduced a Linux-powered scalable IP KVM (keyboard/video/mouse) switch at LinuxWorld in San Francisco this week. The MK-348 is touted as a 48-port IP KVM switch with integrated firewall capabilities, aimed at “high-density data center server farms.”…

(Click here for larger view of the MK-348)

In addition to “state-of-the-art” IP-based remote KVM capabilities, the MK-348 also provides 8 analog ports, MRV says. Both KVM methods are said to support “all common” screen resolutions up to UXGA (1600 x 1200 pixels), with 150 MHz analog bandwidth and 150 megapixels/sec digital sampling rate.

The company claims the device's 48 server ports — within a single 1U rack-mount enclosure — to be an “industry record.”

The MK-348 “is based on an embedded Linux operating system “for cost effectiveness and to leverage security and other features inherent in Linux,” MVR said in a statement. “Additionally, the switch offers a traditional management command line interface familiar to Linux and Unix users in addition to a graphical user interface.”

The MK-348 can be remotely controlled by means of Orion, a Java-based client application. The company says this “easy-to-use” application enables remote, Web-based administration of servers and of the KVM switch itself, without any software installation.

Touted MX-348 features and specifications include:

• 48 server ports
• 8 total KVM sessions:
  • 3 digital (over IP) users
  • 1 direct access at the rack
  • 8 remote analog users
• Multi-platform Cat-5 adapters; support PS/2, USB, and Sun devices
• Dual network interface, including Gigabit Ethernet interface
• Supports “all common resolutions” up to UXGA 1600 x 1200, over both IP and analog
• High color (16-bit) palette, mid (8-bit), low (6-bit), and gray-scale support
• Integrated firewall
• Extensive security features
• Automatic performance tuning
• Client full-screen mode for “local-like” experience
• Macros and customizable per user/server connection configuration
• Remote software and firmware upgradeable
• Performance analysis (statistic counters, debug logs)

The MX-348 is expected to ship in September. Pricing starts at about $8,500.

 
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