When a server hangs at the BIOS prompt or a switch loses its management VLAN, you need console access that doesn't depend on the production network. IP KVMs and serial console servers are the out-of-band path — the dedicated management plane that lets you recover, reimage, and troubleshoot regardless of what's happening in-band.

Brands and product lines we stock

ATEN Altusen CN8000A, CN9600, and KN-series IP KVM switches handle single-server through 64-port matrix deployments with virtual media, audio, and dual-power redundancy. Vertiv Avocent ACS800, ACS8000, and MergePoint Unity console managers cover serial-over-IP. Raritan Dominion KX and Lantronix SLB/SLC console servers fill specialty deployments including FIPS 140-2 and HSPD-12 CAC authentication.

What to consider when buying

• Port count and scalability — single-target dongles for entry, 8/16/32/48-port matrix switches, cascade architectures to 4,096 endpoints.
• IP-remote access — HTML5 browser client, simultaneous user sessions, USB redirection for virtual media boot.
• Security and authentication — SSH, HTTPS, TLS 1.3, LDAP/RADIUS/TACACS+, Active Directory integration, FIPS 140-2 validation.
• Serial vs USB/HDMI — serial console servers for network gear; KVM for x86 server BIOS/console access.
• Out-of-band path — dedicated cellular/modem failover, separate management network, dual power inputs.
• Form factor — 1U rack mount standard; some Avocent ACS units offer half-1U for edge sites.

Pair KVM and console infrastructure with our Servers and Power & UPS categories for full lights-out deployments. Working integrators on the Senior Specialist team can architect mission-critical OOB designs.