It can be implemented in a KVM appliance that has the ability to forward console sessions to a remote computer, usually in a web browser -- you browse to the KVM, click on the server you want, and you have remote control of the console. True console, in that you can interact with the computer while it is booting exactly as if you were in front of the machine.
More recently, some Lights-out-management cards built into enterprise-class computers sometimes come with a KVM-over-IP implementation built in, so you don't need a separate appliance to get true remote control. HP offers the iLO (although usually the KVM functionality is a increased-cost option) and some Sun X series have the iLOM (I am thinking of the X2200-M2, of which I have a dozen or so).
Of the two (appliance or built-in management card) I prefer the latter, because usually they come with remote power controls as well so you can power cycle a computer remotely even if it is totally hung, then interact with the BIOS or RAID cards or whatever on the way up.
Personally I'm getting spoiled -- my attitude is that if I have to go down and touch hardware, something better be physically broken.
You have 3 options to cold boot a server remotely:
A IP, managed(Switched) PDU that can turn the power outlets on / off
A Remote Management Card in the server(DRAC, Lights Out, etc)
A local set of hands
The remote management card will provide both your power control, and remote KVM functionality. If you have equipment that does not offer remote management, a switched/managed PDU is the way to go.
You can switch directly to any port by
entering the Switch port number you
wish to use. For example, if you press
“SCROLL LOCK”, “SCROLL LOCK”, “2”, the
computer on port 2 will be selected.
AutoScan Mode In AutoScan mode, the
Switch remains on one port for eight
seconds before switching to the next.
This time interval cannot be changed.
To enable AutoScan mode, press “SCROLL
LOCK”, “SCROLL LOCK”, “S”.
Note: There is no mouse or keyboard
control in this mode by design, in
order to prevent errors. If it were
enabled, the user could move the mouse
or use the keyboard while the KVM
Switch is switching to the next port.
This could interrupt communication
between the computer and Switch that
might cause erratic mouse movement, or
result in errant display of characters
when using the keyboard.
Best Answer
Keyboard-Video-Mouse over IP.
It can be implemented in a KVM appliance that has the ability to forward console sessions to a remote computer, usually in a web browser -- you browse to the KVM, click on the server you want, and you have remote control of the console. True console, in that you can interact with the computer while it is booting exactly as if you were in front of the machine.
More recently, some Lights-out-management cards built into enterprise-class computers sometimes come with a KVM-over-IP implementation built in, so you don't need a separate appliance to get true remote control. HP offers the iLO (although usually the KVM functionality is a increased-cost option) and some Sun X series have the iLOM (I am thinking of the X2200-M2, of which I have a dozen or so).
Of the two (appliance or built-in management card) I prefer the latter, because usually they come with remote power controls as well so you can power cycle a computer remotely even if it is totally hung, then interact with the BIOS or RAID cards or whatever on the way up.
Personally I'm getting spoiled -- my attitude is that if I have to go down and touch hardware, something better be physically broken.