IN RACK monitor/kb/mouse w/ serial ports - any cool suggestions?

ItsChrisG

I'm shopping around for a rackmount monitor/kb/mouse with serial ports (1 is fine, but multiple would be cool) to be used in a core networking rack for on-site quick and easy console access.

Any cool ideas or suggestions for products or product mixes?

Note: there's already remote OOB network console access, this is primarily just for easy front of rack console access.

Thanks!

spifey

Hi Chris,
You have a few options besides the 1u kvm.
http://www.amazon.com/Console-Portable-Laptop-Crash-Adapter/dp/B002CLKFTQ
http://www.epiphan.com/products/kvm2usb/
http://www.blackbox.com/Store/Detail.aspx/USB-Laptop-Console-Crash-Cart-Adapter/KVT100A

Unfortunately not one of them cheap if your on a budget.
I'll take it you already have a laptop or tablet with serial ports.

ItsChrisG

@spifey, those are cool for server access but im looking for something that will give me access to network type of equipment which is almost always serial port based - plus not looking to have to bring my laptop or other equipment with me.

Just want to show up at the rack with nothing in my hands at all, slide out the racked monitor/kb/serial unit and get to work (the most i should need to do is re-attach the serial cable to the device i want to work on)

mikho

Stuff a laptop with serial port in the rack.
Don't forget to store the cable inside the rack. A small laptop would probably be cheaper then any rack mounted hardware.

rds100

For serial access to networking equipment just put an old cisco 2610 with NM8-A/S and telnet to it as needed. That's what we do.

spifey

I would go with a 1u empty pull out tray. Slap the laptop in and zip tie or velcro the laptop and kvm and leave it there. Laptops are way cheaper alternatives. They do sell kvm's with switches built in the back. But the cost..
This one has x2 serial if that is what you must have.
http://www.tripplite.com/remote-kvm-over-ip-cat5-kvm-switch-16-port-19-inch-lcd~B07001619IP/