ATEN 19IN Wide Screen 16-PORT LCD KVM Switches; 1366 X 768 @ 60 Hz; 5 Ms; 0.3 MM X 0. - CL3116NX

ATEN CL3116NX 16-Port 19-Inch Rack LCD KVM Switch

Overview

The ATEN CL3116NX is a 19-inch rack-mount LCD KVM console drawer built for data center engineers and IT architects who need direct, hardware-level access to up to 16 servers — or up to 256 nodes when cascaded — without touching a separate keyboard, monitor, or mouse. The integrated LCD panel runs at up to 1920 × 1200 @ 60 Hz, delivering enough resolution to work comfortably in modern server management interfaces and terminal sessions. If you manage a dense rack environment and want a single pull-out console that supports both PS/2 and USB servers on the same switch, this is the unit to evaluate.

Explore the full ATEN KVM switch and console line for related rackmount and desktop models, or browse the broader KVM switches category for multi-brand comparisons.

Key Features

• 16 Ports, Cascade to 256 Nodes: The CL3116NX handles 16 direct server connections out of the box. When you cascade additional compatible ATEN KVM switches, the addressable node count scales to 256 — useful in larger colo or enterprise data center environments where racking multiple switches under a single console reduces operator overhead significantly.
• 1920 × 1200 Native Resolution (DDC2B): The integrated LCD supports up to 1920 × 1200 at 60 Hz via DDC2B, which means modern server UIs, BIOS screens, and IPMI consoles render at full fidelity. The 1366 × 768 native panel resolution is the drawer's active display; the 1920 × 1200 input spec reflects the maximum signal it can accept and downscale cleanly. Plan your KVM cable runs knowing the switch negotiates display capabilities automatically via DDC2B — no manual EDID tricks needed on most platforms.
• 450 cd/m² Luminance: At 450 candelas per square meter, the integrated screen is bright enough to read clearly in lit data center rows without adding a task light or repositioning for angle. Dim panels in high-ambient-light server rooms cause operator errors; this spec keeps the display readable without requiring total darkness.
• Three Port Selection Methods (OSD, Hotkey, Pushbutton): You can switch targets via the on-screen display menu, keyboard hotkey sequences, or front-panel pushbuttons — whichever is faster in the moment. OSD navigation is useful for sequential sweeps; hotkeys keep hands off the hardware for rapid switching during maintenance windows; pushbuttons are the fallback when software-layer access is unavailable.
• Auto-Scan with 1–255 Second Interval: The configurable scan interval (1 to 255 seconds per port) lets you set up a rolling health-check sweep across all connected servers. Set it short for fast anomaly detection during initial provisioning, or long during steady-state monitoring to reduce screen flash frequency on overnight shifts.
• Dual Keyboard/Mouse Support (PS/2 and USB): Mixed server fleets — common in environments running older blade chassis alongside newer 1U servers — often present a PS/2 vs. USB problem. The CL3116NX supports both natively, so you are not forced into adapter dongles that add failure points or degrade signal timing.
• Front-Panel USB Mouse Port: A dedicated USB Type-A female port on the front panel lets you plug in a USB mouse for OSD navigation without accessing the rear. In tight rack deployments where rear cable access is restricted, this front port removes a common friction point during maintenance.
• Universal Input Power (100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz): The wide-range power input means the CL3116NX deploys in any country's data center or colocation facility without a voltage transformer. At 1 A draw, it imposes a minimal load on your rack PDU — leaving headroom for the servers themselves.
• 0–80% RH, Non-Condensing Humidity Range: Suitable for standard data center humidity envelopes. If your facility runs outside this range (e.g., a coastal edge site without proper HVAC), verify environmental controls before deploying.
• LED Illumination Light: The built-in LED illumination light aids cable identification and port work in low-light rack environments — a practical detail that reduces fumbling time during off-hours maintenance without requiring a separate headlamp.
• Firmware Upgradeable (v1.3.122, Released 2025-02-27): Active firmware development means security patches and feature updates can be applied without hardware replacement. The current release (v1.3.122) is recent, indicating ongoing vendor support for the platform.

Integration & Compatibility

The CL3116NX supports both PS/2 and USB server connections, covering the widest range of server generations in a mixed rack. Port selection via OSD, hotkey, and pushbutton integrates into any operator workflow without requiring proprietary software agents on connected servers — hardware-level access means the KVM works regardless of operating system state, including during BIOS configuration, OS installation, or crash recovery.

Cascade compatibility with other ATEN switches in the CL series allows the console to serve as the master unit in a multi-switch stack. When planning a KVM cable and accessory configuration, confirm cable type and length against the ATEN CL series compatibility matrix for your specific cascaded switches. DDC2B display negotiation is automatic; no manual EDID injection is required for standard server video outputs.

For integrators building out full rack solutions, pair with a quality rack power distribution unit that provides sufficient amperage per outlet — the CL3116NX's 1 A draw at full voltage is modest, but factor in the connected server load on the same PDU circuit. A KVM switch selection guide can help if you are evaluating port count, cascade depth, or console type across multiple deployments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many servers can the CL3116NX control directly, and can that number be expanded?

A: The CL3116NX provides 16 direct server ports. By cascading compatible ATEN KVM switches, the total addressable node count scales to 256 servers under a single console.

Q: What video resolutions does the CL3116NX support?

A: The switch accepts input signals up to 1920 × 1200 @ 60 Hz. The integrated LCD panel displays at 1366 × 768 @ 60 Hz. DDC2B is supported for automatic display capability negotiation with connected servers.

Q: Does the CL3116NX support both PS/2 and USB servers?

A: Yes. The CL3116NX supports both PS/2 and USB keyboard and mouse connections, allowing mixed server fleets to share a single console without adapter workarounds.

Q: What are the port selection methods on the CL3116NX?

A: Ports can be selected via the on-screen display (OSD), keyboard hotkey sequences, or front-panel pushbuttons. Auto-scan mode is also available with a configurable interval of 1 to 255 seconds per port.

Q: What power supply does the CL3116NX require?

A: The CL3116NX accepts 100–240 V AC at 50–60 Hz, drawing 1 A. No external transformer is needed for international data center deployments.

Q: Is the CL3116NX firmware updatable?

A: Yes. Firmware is field-upgradeable. The current release is v1.3.122, dated 2025-02-27, indicating active platform support from ATEN.