2: Introduction; Features - Lantronix SecureLinx Spider User Manual

2: Introduction

This chapter introduces the Lantronix SecureLinx Spider (SLS) line of KVM-over-IP
devices. It provides an overview of the products, lists their key features, and describes
the applications for which they are suited.
The SecureLinx Spider is a distributed KVM-over-IP device designed to remotely and
securely provide monitoring and control of one (target) computer system by one or more
remote users. The remote user (client) accesses the Spider over a local or wide area
network connection using a standard web browser. The Spider provides secure, remote
IP-based access to Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) on the attached server, and
makes it available to anyone who can access the Spider's IP address. Spider is an
evolution of the traditional remote KVM switch into a compact package, is light enough to
be cable supported from the back of a server, and takes up no rack space.
There are two models: one with both PS/2 and USB keyboard/mouse interfaces (software
selectable), and one for USB-only systems. The Spider is unique in that it is low-enough
in power consumption to be powered from the attached server. The color-coded plugs on
the ends of the cables for the keyboard, mouse, USB port and video are designed to plug
directly into the target system's corresponding connectors. An optional external AC/DC
power supply is available.
The Spider differs from other KVM-over-IP switches in several ways. Unlike rack mount
KVM-over-IP switches, the allocation of one Spider per computer allows add-as-you grow
scalability and guarantees non-blocked BIOS-level access to mission-critical servers
regardless of the number of remote users or servers that need access. Also, Spider is
unique in that it uses Lantronix SwitchPort+ technology to incorporate two hardware-
switched Ethernet ports, one for the primary network connection and the second for
daisy-chaining Spiders, or aggregating other Ethernet connections (for example, a
dedicated management LAN port on the controlled system). This provides a cost-
effective solution in environments where numerous cable drops and distance limitations
can be a challenge when adding servers.

Features

SecureLinx Spider User Guide
Browser based – no client software or special licensing required
Server-powered design – no external power supply required
Attaches directly to the server – zero footprint (no vertical rack space required)
Ideal for small branch offices, campuses, or distributed systems environment
Totally non-blocking and scalable (add 1 host at a time)
Incorporates Lantronix SwitchPort+ technology allowing Spiders to be cascaded
or share a host's Ethernet connection
No video degradation with long Cat-5 cable runs
Virtual media support (use remote source to boot / install files on host)
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