Review

From Network Computing Vol 18 No 06 November/December 2009

KVM devices are ideal for controlling multiple servers from a central location and Lantronix has consistently offered a range of innovative solutions. We were impressed with its SecureLinx Spider which offers a scalable KVM-over-IP solution, and its latest SpiderDuo takes this a step further as it combines full remote control services with local access.

This palm-sized device allows headless host systems to be controlled remotely via a web browser and also directly, possibly for server room crash-cart operations. Two options are available which support either USB/PS/2 mouse and keyboard connections or USB only.

Lantronix supplies a pair of cables with one linking the SpiderDuo to the host system's monitor, keyboard and mouse ports, for remote access. The other cable provides standard interfaces for direct connection to a local monitor, mouse and keyboard. Consequently, if the network is down and you need direct access, you can wheel a cart up to the server and plug it in to the local ports.

Another useful feature is its RJ-45 serial port which can be used to link it to an optional Power Control Unit (PCU). Place this compact unit in-line with the host system's supply, and you can control its power remotely from the SpiderDuo's web interface.

The network connection for remote access is provided by a Fast Ethernet port and there's also a USB port which is used to auto-load a bootstrap file, allowing the SpiderDuo to be integrated with the Lantronix ManageLinx appliances.

Once we had the SpiderDuo cabled up to our test server, we found further installation a swift affair. The unit defaults to DHCP so we had browser access in seconds and the home page opens with a preview of the host system's screen. Clicking anywhere in the preview screen loads a Java app which fires up a remote control session.

You are granted full access to the host so that you can view and control its operating system, reboot it, and configure its BIOS if required. The remote control window provides plenty of controls where you can resize the screen to suit, take exclusive control, synchronise mouse motion, load a soft keyboard, and modify video settings.

Access control is an area Lantronix excels in and the SpiderDuo is no exception. From its management interface you can create multiple users and groups, and for each one, define precisely what features and functions they are allowed to access. Both LDAP and RADIUS servers are supported for further user authentication, and transmissions can be secured over HTTPS.

Virtual media is also supported, and you can designate a device on the guest system and hand it over to the host. From the remote control screen you choose a local device which could be a floppy, optical or hard disk drive, and it will be redirected to the host. Virtual media can also be a networked drive and the SpiderDuo will allow either to be used as a boot device. You can also define the location of an ISO image and even copy a floppy disk image to the SpiderDuo where it will present it as USB bootable media.

There's little to report back for the local connection as it simply works. With a monitor plus PS/2 mouse and keyboard connected to the SpiderDuo, we had full local access to our test server and we could detect no performance differences between this and a normal physical connection.

The SpiderDuo shows Lantronix isn't afraid to push the boundaries of KVM technology. This innovative little device is easy to deploy and use; it offers a range of remote control features that belie its size, and it is extremely secure. NC

Product: SecureLinx SpiderDuo
Supplier: Lantronix
Telephone: +44 (0)1189 242511
Web site:www.lantronix.com
Price: £235 excluding VAT

Review