Product ReviewsNetworks/Servers
The UltraMatrix 2xE is a simple solution for controlling multiple PCs or servers using a single monitor, keyboard and mouse. From a central location you can switch to any connected system from one of two management locations and monitor, control or share access. Of the ten DB25 ports at the rear, the first two are used to connect a monitor, mouse and keyboard directly to the switch using a KVM adaptor cable, while the remainder are used to link servers or PCs to the switch. Expansion potential is remarkable, as an optional module can be fitted allowing up to 125 units to be daisy-chained together for controlling up to 1,000 systems. A group of status lights is positioned at the front and shows which ports have systems connected
Configuration is carried out using keyboard commands which all start with a Ctrl key press to gain the unit's attention. Entering other key commands within two seconds allows you to access the configuration menu, select individual systems and start a scan. The unit can also be managed remotely with terminal emulation software as it has a couple of RJ-11 serial sockets at the rear. The UltraMatrix offers good security as all administrative parameters can be password-protected and users created with access limited to groups or specific systems. Groups can include any or all of the attached systems, and profiles are used to determine whether the user can only view an attached PC, share their connection or have exclusive access. Four menu colour schemes are provided and a screen saver can be configured to kick in after periods of inactivity. To access and control a PC you just hit the Ctrl key, enter the channel number and press Enter. You can easily disconnect and switch to the next or previous channel, and the UltraMatrix can be set to cycle its display through each attached system. By Dave Mitchell SPECIFICATIONS:
Keyboard, video and mouse matrix switch, eight DB25 PC ports, two DB25 management ports, two RJ-11 remote management ports. CPU computer cables with 15-pin monitor port, PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports; 3m lengths available for £29. |
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