Chapter 1

Introduction

Overview

The KL1508Ai and KL1516Ai Dual Rail LCD KVM Switches are control units that allow secure access to multiple computers from a single KVM

(keyboard, video, and mouse), console. A single KL1508Ai or KL1516Ai can control up to 8 or 16 computers, respectively. They consist of an integrated

LCD monitor, keyboard, and touchpad in a 1U rack-mountable retractable sliding housing.

The similarities and differences among the models in the KL1508Ai /

KL1516Ai series are shown in the following table:

Model

KL1508AiM

KL1508AiN

KL1516AiM

KL1516AiN

LCD Panel

17"

19"

17"

19"

Ports

8

8

16

16

The LCD and keyboard/touchpad modules slide independently of each other.

To maximize space in your data center, the keyboard/touchpad module slides back to "hide away" when not in use, while the thin profile LCD monitor rotates back – flush against the rack – allowing convenient monitoring of computer activity.

The KL1508Ai / KL1516Ai features IP-based connectivity that allows one local operator and multiple remote operators to concurrently monitor and access the computers on your installation. Because it uses TCP/IP for its communications protocol, the KL1508Ai / KL1516Ai can be accessed from any computer on the LAN, WAN, or Internet – whether that computer is located down the hall, down the street, or halfway around the world.

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KL1508Ai / KL1516Ai User Manual

Internet

Remote Computer

KL1508Ai/KL1516Ai

Local

Computer

By daisy chaining up to 15 additional switches, as many as 256 computers can be controlled from the original KVM console. An auto-sensing function recognizes the position of each station on the chain, eliminating the need to manually set the position, and a two digit seven-segment LED display on the keyboard module showing each station's position for easy identification.

Compact, high-density, RJ-45 connectors and CAT 5e/6 cable make for a compact, efficient, wiring configuration, while the use of PS/2 and USB KVM

Adapter Cables to link to the computers, permits any combination of PCs,

Macs, Sun computers, and serial devices to coexist on the installation.

For added convenience, ports for an external keyboard, monitor, and mouse are provided on the rear panel – permitting you to manage the switch from a local console. There is also an external USB mouse port on the keyboard module, allowing you to use an external mouse, rather than the touchpad.

Access to any computer connected to the installation from the local console is easily accomplished by means of a powerful mouse driven graphical OSD (On

Screen Display) menu system. A convenient Auto Scan feature also permits automatic scanning and monitoring of the activities of all computers running on the installation one by one.

Remote operators connect to the KL1508Ai / KL1516Ai via its IP address from anywhere on the LAN, WAN, or Internet via their browsers. Once they successfully log in, they can take control using either the Windows Client or

Java Client utility. Inclusion of a Java-based client ensures that the KL1508Ai

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Chapter 1. Introduction

/ KL1516Ai is platform independent, and is able to work with most operating systems.

System administrators can handle a multitude of maintenance tasks smoothly and efficiently – from installing and running GUI applications, to BIOS level troubleshooting, routine monitoring, concurrent maintenance, system administration, rebooting and even pre-booting functions – all from a remote connection.

Remote operators can exchange keyboard, video and mouse signals with the computers attached to the KL1508Ai / KL1516Ai just as if they were present locally and working on the equipment directly.

Enhanced features include a Panel Array Mode that displays the video output of up to 8 (KL1508Ai) or 16 (KL1516Ai) computers at the same time, and a

Message Board that allows logged in users to conveniently and instantly communicate with one other – no matter where in the world they actually are.

Setup is fast and easy - plugging cables into their appropriate ports is all that is entailed. Because the KL1508Ai / KL1516Ai intercepts keyboard input directly, there is no need to get involved in complex installation routines or to be concerned with incompatibility problems.

Since the KL1508Ai / KL1516Ai's firmware is upgradable over the Internet, you can stay current with the latest functionality improvements simply by downloading firmware updates from our website as they become available.

With its advanced security features, the KL1508Ai / KL1516Ai is the fastest, most reliable, most cost effective way to remotely access and manage widely distributed multiple computer installations.

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