Avocent | DSR1021 KVM Swtich | Frequently Asked Questions

Question

Answer

Equipment

I have computers at multiple sites. How do I use the Avocent DSR switch to provide access?

The DSR® switch can be deployed wherever computers or servers are located. It connects to your network. Your technicians and administrators can access the attached devices directly from their desk.

Can the DSR switch provide access to other devices?

The DSR switch has a port that can be connected to a modem. This provides access to the site when the IP connection is not working. By connecting the router or DSU to the DSR switch, you can diagnose WAN or server problems.

Operation

I use remote control software to manage my remote locations. How is your solution different?

The DSR switch connects to the keyboard, video and mouse port of the computer. Unlike remote control software, the DS Series products do not require a functioning operating system, network stack, or application to be running to access the computer. By connecting externally, a CTRL-ALT-DEL command can be sent to reboot the computer. During the boot up, the BIOS can be accessed or the boot can be single-stepped in order to troubleshoot boot problems. Remote control software cannot give boot level access.

Sometimes I need to cycle power to a device to reset it. How do I cycle power remotely?

The DSR1020 switch has a built-in power control port. By connecting this port to an Avocent SPC power control device, you can remotely check power starts and cycle power. This eliminates calling someone at the location to explain which power switch they need to cycle.

Performance

Depending on my site, my link speeds can be different. How does the DSR1020 switch handle different speeds?

The DSR1024 switch uses the Avocent Dambrackas Video Compression® (DVC) algorithm. It provides selections to reduce the number of colors, including a gray scale selection, to operate over a variety of link speeds including speeds of a dial modem.