ATEN CL3100NX 19-Inch Ultra Short Depth Rack LCD Console

Overview

The CL3100NX is a 1U rack-mount LCD console from ATEN's ATEN KVM and console line designed for data center and server room installations where front-panel access to connected servers is needed without a dedicated monitor, keyboard, or mouse at each rack. The CL3100NX integrates a widescreen LCD display, USB keyboard, and touchpad into a single pull-out 1U drawer — eliminating loose peripherals and reducing rack footprint. It supports input video up to 1920×1200 at 60 Hz with DDC2B signaling, making it appropriate for rack environments running high-resolution server consoles. The front-panel USB Type-A port adds a convenient peripheral connection point without routing cables to the rear of the rack. Console switching is handled via hotkey, keeping the workflow fast in multi-server environments. The firmware is field-upgradeable — the current validated release is v1.1.106 (2024-04-22).

Compatibility

The CL3100NX is designed for use with ATEN KVM switches that accept a dedicated local console connection, particularly 1U rack-compatible units in ATEN's CL and KL series. It is not a standalone KVM switch — it functions as the console (display + input) module paired to an external KVM switch in the same rack. Confirm that your target KVM switch supports a local console input at 1920×1200 resolution and USB keyboard/mouse signaling before ordering. The unit accepts universal AC input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1 A), so it is compatible with standard US and international rack PDUs without a step-down transformer — useful in mixed-voltage facilities or international deployments.

Installation Notes

The CL3100NX mounts in a standard 19-inch rack. Verify available rack depth before installation — "ultra short depth" is the key mechanical constraint here, suited for shallow racks or dense rack rows where rear cable management is tight. Operating humidity is rated to 80% RH non-condensing, which rules out uncontrolled outdoor enclosures or high-condensation environments. The LCD panel brightness is 450 cd/m², which is adequate for typical data center ambient lighting but may wash out in high-ambient-light environments like open-floor IT staging areas. Firmware upgrades are applied via the standard ATEN upgrade process using the downloadable zip package; no specialized tools are required.