Introduction - Minicom Smart User Manual

2. Introduction

The Smart IP Extender (IP Extender) from Minicom Advanced Systems redirects
local keyboard, mouse and video data to a remote computer. All data is transmitted
via IP.
IP Extender features, remote KVM access and control via a LAN, Internet, or ISDN
connection. IP Extender provides a non-intrusive solution for remote access and
control. Remote access and control software runs on the IP Extender embedded
processors only and not on the servers, so there is no interference with server
operation or impact on network performance.
The IP Extender can also be used in a multi administrator and multi server
environment. Combining one or several IP Extenders with a KVM switched matrix
allows access to multiple remote servers over via single remote console. The IP
Extender combines digital remote KVM access via IP networks with a
comprehensive and integrated system management.
Figure 1 illustrates the connections of IP Extender to its host, to peripheral devices,
to the power source and to the local area network.
Administrator
IP Extender is multi user capable, i.e. up to 64 concurrent users may use IP Extender
to administrate a remote site. Figure 2 illustrates a configuration with concurrent
users on a number of servers connected by a KVM switching matrix using one or
more IP Extenders. Using more than one IP Extender in a configuration prevents
blocking administrators who use the switching matrix.
SMART IP EXTENDER
RESET
IP Network
Figure 1 IP Extender usage scenario
Smart IP
S M A R T
IP Extender
G I F
V R E
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KVM signals
MINICOM
Server