What is a remote peripheral solution?
It is also referred to as an auxiliary device. A peripheral device is an external device that connects to a computer but isn’t part of the computer’s core architecture. The central processing unit, power supply, motherboard, and the computer case that houses those three components are the core elements of a computer. Peripheral devices are not required for the computer to perform its basic functions; they are merely a convenience for the user.
List of various remote peripherals
- Thin clients
- KVMs
- KVM extenders
- RPS
What is Thin Client?
A thin client is a computer that gets its resources from a central server rather than from a hard drive. A thin client connects to a server-based environment that houses the majority of the user’s applications, memory, and sensitive data. Thin clients can be connected to cloud-based servers too.
Benefits of a Thin Client
The benefits of thin clients are
- Increased security
- Less cost
- More manageable
- Scalability
Increased security: The thin client is incapable to run software unless it has been authorized at the server level. Installing thin clients instead of typical PCs increases the security of the control system. Thin clients would block different types of malware from different users at a time, they may all be blocked by the same firewall that protects the server to which each thin client is connected. The thin client also makes it easier to monitor the system based on thin client architecture due to all endpoints connected to the same central server.
Less cost : Thin clients are very easy to deploy than deploying normal PCs. Thin clients need very few resources due to the thin clients having to do less work than typical PCs. A thin client does not need high-end graphics cards and it has very little memory compared to a normal PC.
More manageable: Because all endpoints are connected to the same server, thin clients are frequently easier to manage. This means that you can concentrate most of your management efforts on that single physical unit. Because a single IT team member can handle routine tasks like upgrading security software on the central server, multiple users can be serviced at the same time. It is no longer necessary for IT staff to visit individual workstations for installation or troubleshooting.
Scalability: You can easily scale up using thin client architecture by deploying virtual desktops. A virtual desktop environment allows you to allow users to bring their own device in addition to the benefits of a thin client setup. The server that serves the various thin clients in the office can also serve as a full-fledged virtual desktop base, allowing seasonal workers or temporary contractors to connect and get work done quickly.
Types of Thin client
Thin clients can be classified into two categories:
Software thin clients
Hardware thin clients.
A software thin client is, an application that runs on whatever host is available, whether dedicated (as in the case of a hardware client) or just commodity hardware It may make use of some of the local host’s capabilities, such as hardware-based graphics acceleration, to improve the rendering of the remote client’s interface.
A hardware thin client is a device designed specifically to run thin-client software and little else It’s easy to compare it to the old “dumb terminal” or “diskless workstation,” although with better graphics, but there are a few key differences.
List of various thin client models
- Dell Wyse 5070
- Dell Wyse 3040
- Dell Wyse 5010
- HP t630
- HP t530
What is KVM?
KVM is an acronym that stands for “keyboard, video, mouse.” Users can control multiple systems using a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor with the KVM. KVMs are typically used to control racked servers, which are groups of servers enclosed in a single rack. The administrator can switch control from one server to another by pressing a single button on the KVM switch.
Local KVMs eliminate the need for each computer to have its own keyboard, mouse, and monitor. This also reduces the junk of extra devices and cables in your server room, making it a safer and cleaner environment.
Types of KVM
KVM switch can be categorized into two types based on computer access and control perspectives:
The single-user KVM switch
The multi-user KVM switch
The single-user KVM switch: This is considered as a KVM’s entry-level switch. It is used for small-scale installations such as remote offices. By using a single-user KVM switch, a single person can monitor and access many computers as they need to make a single console.
The multi-user KVM switch This KVM switch is mainly used for larger installations and data centers that needed a number of users to control several computers or servers.
KVM switches can be divided into two types based on application and technology
- The analog KVM switch
- The digital KVM switch
The analog KVM switch: Analog KVM switches are being worked by using a direct cable connection from the computer to the KVM switch and to the console. The cables either be Coax or Cat5 based on the types of switches we are using.
The digital KVM switch: It is also known as KVM over IP. This switch allows the user to control your control system remotely at any time. This can be done by using the company’s LAN (Local Area Network) or from across the globe. The control system will have a direct connection between the computer and the KVM switch, however, the user controlling the computers does not need to be connected to the KVM Switch directly.
Advantages of KVM
- Can control multiple computers by using a single keyboard, mouse, and video (monitor)
- Can control multiple systems remotely
- Can reduce cost
List of various KVM models
- Austin Hughes 96RMKVM-17V1C-A
- Dell DMPU2016
- Dell DAV2216-G01
- Avocent av3108
What is KVM Extender?
Users can work on a computer from a distance using a keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) extender. Typically, it consists of a set of transmitters and receivers. The KVM transmitter unit is connected to the computer system and captures peripheral signals like USB keyboard and mouse, audio, and video. These signals are extended to a remote user station, where the KVM receiver unit powers the monitors, keyboards, and mouse. KVM extenders extend the range of HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB cables, allowing them to be used anywhere from 15 feet to several miles away from the computer.
Types of KVM extender
VGA, DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort video signals, as well as keyboard and mouse, transparent USB, digital or analog audio, and serial formats like RS232, are all supported by different types of KVM extenders.
KVM extension can be used with CATx, fiber optic, or an IP network:
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Fibre optics KVM extenders are ideal for applications that require increased signal range (for example, between buildings), enhanced network security, the transmission of uncompressed high-bandwidth signals (4K60), or network configurations that require immunity from electrical interference (galvanic isolation)
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KVM over IP extenders are preferred for applications where connectivity must be established over long distances, where system scalability is critical (KVM switching), or were extending over an existing LAN infrastructure or even the Internet is preferable.
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CATx KVM extenders are ideal for extending HD video and peripheral signals up to 150 metres; they are also the most cost-effective option.
Advantages of KVM Extender
- Can control multiple computers from distance.
- Can use anywhere from the world
- Easy to manage
List of various KVM Extender models
- Aten KE6940AiT
- Aten KE6900AiT
- Aten CE250A
- Matrox Extio N3408
- Matrox Extio N3208
What is RPS?
RPS stands for Remote Power Switch. Remote power switching enables secure power management via a web browser or a phone line. Users can control the power-on, power-off, and reboot cycles for attached devices by logging into the remote reboot device. Some intelligent remote power switches also support automatic reboot in the event of a power outage.
Advantages of Remote Power Switches
- Can switch AC power to DC power and vice versa.
- Increase visibility at unmanned sites
- Turn On and OFF components from a remote location
- Easy to manage
List of various Remote Power Switch models
- Dell Optiplex xe
- DELL DMPU4032-G01