Digital KVM (Over IP) Avocent Avocent MergePoint Unity
The Avocent MergePoint Unity switch includes both KVM over IP and Serial Console Management technology in a single appliance. This unique combination provides IT Administrators a complete remote management solution to access and control servers, networking equipment, and other devices found in data centers and branch offices.
Quick links: Overview, Features and Benefits, Specifications, Other Photos, Ordering Details, Reviews
Overview
The Avocent MergePoint Unity switch includes both KVM over IP and Serial Console Management technology in a single appliance.
This unique combination provides IT Administrators a complete remote management solution to access and control servers, networking equipment, and other devices found in data centers and branch offices.
The MergePoint Unity switches enhance the in-band management typically done through the NIC of IT equipment by providing secure and remote Out-of-band connections directly to the physical KVM, USB, and Serial ports. This unified approach enables IT administrators a faster method to diagnose, reconfigure, or restore equipment to meet SLA's and minimize downtime.
Avocent can help you answer questions like:
- How can I access a remote server that is having an OS or network connectivity issues?
- If a server drops off the network, how can you quickly determine the cause and restore connectivity?
- How can I access a remote server to restart a service or stop a runaway process if my remote software tools cannot make a connection?
- How can I use Smart Card readers for computer authentication if I am using remote hardware such as digital KVM switches?
- When working or remote server OS or application issues, how can I transfer data or load a new application if the network connection on that device is down or unavailable?
- How can I access the configuration port of a network router or switch that is offline without having to take my laptop and a serial cable into the datacenter?
- How can I reduce the need for my IT staff, consultants, and contractors to physically enter the datacenter without impacting their ability to do their work?
- How can I control who physically connects to the KVM, USB, and serial ports of the equipment I have in the datacenter? What kind of reports do I currently have to show this?
- If I want to provide remote access to branch offices that includes servers and network equipment, do I need to purchase multiple management appliances?
Features and Benefits
| Pain point/Issues | Feature | Benefit |
| Availability of equipment for faster MTTR: Remote in-band access methods through the standard network port of a server or network device such as a router or switch only allow a connection if all the pieces are working properly | Complete, full-featured remote server management from a single user interface | The ability to provide multiple connection or control points to IT equipment improves response, diagnosis, and resolution time. |
| Do more with less: Complete rack management requires more than just access to the servers. | Remote KVM and serial console access are both included in the design of the MergePoint Unity switches. |
Allows system and network admins to enhance their remote management and access capabilities with out-of-band access to servers, network equipment, and other devices with serial configuration or console ports from a single solution. |
| Centralized Management: Access to KVM, USB, and serial ports across an entire date center requires users to access and authenticate to each piece of management hardware. | The MergePoint Unity switches can operate out of the box or can be managed by the DSView 3 software to allow a single method to manage and access all the MergePoint Unity switches that exist. | Allows admins a single browser interface to all the connected devices across multiple MergePoint Unity switches as well as any other connections or control points provided from other Avocent supported hardware. |
| Maintaining a consistent security model based on standards: Many hardware management tools do not integrate with the existing authentication/security models that companies use. | Support LDAP when used alone or can be managed with the DSView 3 management software to add more authentication and reporting options. | Flexible authentication options to allow customers to easily integrate it into their existing authentication and security model. |
| Maintaining a consistent security model based on standards: Security standards at many larger organizations utilize smart card/Common Access Card technology to authenticate users to access locations and the IT assets. Few tools |
The MergePoint Unity switch has virtual media capabilities to map USB storage devices and Smart Card/ Common Access Card (CAC) readers.
|
Users can map smart card readers to quickly and securely authenticate and access remote servers. |
| Maintaining physical security in the data center: Getting files and updates or loading a new application onto a server that is "offline" often requires a local visit to the server to insert the CD or attach the thumb drive etc. | All MergePoint Unity switches come with virtual media capabilities, | Allows a user to mount/map a USB media or mass storage devices directly to a remote computer through a physical USB connection to the MergePoint Unity switch. |
| Network availability: Overdrawn power circuits and failed network equipment can both have a huge impact on businesses. | The MergePoint unity switches offer dual 10/100/1000 ethernet ports on all models and options for models with dual power supplies | Increased redundancy to provide access to critical equipment when power or network issues occur. |
| Heterogeneous nature of the data center makes it difficult to have one tool manage it all: Power management of remote devices often requires a separate tool that is not integrated with the hardware/software used to access those remote devices. | Dedicated power control ports to connect and control Avocent rack PDUs (sold separately) for integrated power control and measurement. | Dedicated power control ports to connect and control Avocent rack PDUs (sold separately) for integrated power control and measurement. |
Specifications
| Server Ports | |
| Number | 32 port models- MPU8032DAC/8032/4032DAC/4032 16 port models- MPU2016DAC/2016/1016DAC/1016 |
| Modules supported | PS/2, Sun, USB and Serial modules sold separately |
| Connectors | 8-pin modular |
| Sync Types | Separate horizontal and vertical |
| Input Video Resolution | 640 x 480 @ 60 Hz; 800 x 600 @ 75 Hz; 960 x 700 @ 75 Hz; 1024 x 768 @ 75 Hz; 1280 x 1024 @ 75 Hz |
| Supported Cabling | 4-pair UTP CAT 5 or CAT 6, 45 meters maximum length |
| Dimensions | |
| Form Factor | 1-U rack mountable |
| Height x Width x Depth | 1.72 x 17.00 x 13.38 |
| Weight (without cables) | Single Power Models - 8.1 lbs Dual Power Models- 8.6 lbs |
| Network Connection | |
| Number | 2 |
| Type | 10/100/1000 Ethernet |
| Local Port | |
| Number | 1 |
| Type | USB and VGA |
| USB Device Port | |
| Number | 5 |
| Type | USB 2.0 |
| Modem Port | |
| Number | 1 |
| Type | RS-232 serial |
| Connectors | 8-pin modular |
| PDU Port - used to manage supported PDUs through a direct serial port connection | |
| Number | 2 |
| Type | RS-232 serial |
| Connector | 8-pin modular |
| Power Specifications | |
| Number | MPU8032DAC/4032DAC/2016DAC/1016DAC: 2 power supplies MPU08032/4032/2016/1016: 1 power supply |
| Type | Internal |
| Power | MPU8032DAC/8032: 24W; MPU4032DAC/4032: 18W; MPU2016DAC/2016: 13W; MPU1016DAC/1016: 12W |
| Heat Dissipation | MPU8032DAC/8032: 82 BTU/hr; MPU4032DAC/4032: 62 BTU/hr MPU2016DAC/2016: 45 BTU/hr; MPU1016DAC/1016: 41 BTU/hr |
| AC Input Range | 100 - 240 VAC |
| AC Frequency | 50 - 60 Hz autosensing |
| AC Input Current Rating | 1.25 A |
| AC Input Power (max) | 40 W |
| Ambient Atmospheric Condition Ratings | |
| Temperature | Operating; 32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 50 degrees Celsius) Non-operating: -4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 to 70 degrees Celsius) |
| Humidity | Operating: 20% to 80 % relative humidity (non-condensing) Non-operating: 5% to 95% relative humidity, 38.7 degrees C maximum wet bulb temperature |
| Safety and EMC Standards Approvals and Markings | |
| UL, FCC, cUL, ICES-003, CE, VCCI, KCC, C-Tick, GOST | |
|
Safety certifications and EMC certifications for this product are obtained under one or more of the following designations: CMN (Certification Model Number), MPN (Manufacturer's Part Number) or Sales Level Model designation. The designation that is referenced |
|
Other Photos
Ordering Details
Appliance Ordering Details:
| Part Number | Description |
| MPU1016-xxx* | 16 port, 1 digital KVM path, single AC Power Supply |
| MPU1016DAC-xxx* | 16 port, 1 digital KVM path, Dual AC Power Supply |
| MPU2016-xxx* | 16 port, 2 digital KVM path, single AC Power Supply |
| MPU2016DAC-xxx* | 16 port, 2 digital KVM paths, dual AC Power Supply |
| MPU4032-xxx* | 32 port, 4 digital KVM paths, single AC Power Supply |
| MPU4032DAC-xxx* | 32 port, 4 digital KVM paths, dual AC Power Supply |
| MPU8032-xxx* | 32 port, 8 digital KVM paths, single AC Power Supply |
| MPU8032DAC-xxx* | 32 port, 8 digital KVM paths, dual AC Power Supply |
Note* - Actual part number end with country specific product codes
(example -001 for North America)
Cables and Accessories: (one required per attached device)
| Part Number | Description |
| MPUIQ-SRL-xxx | MergePoint Unity Serial IQ (requires power from USB source or optional UPD-AM |
| UPD-AM | Power Supply for MPUIQ-SRL modules. Each UPD-AM can power up to four serial interface modules |
| DSAVIQ-USB2 | Virtual Media server interface module for VGA video and USB 2.0 w/ 14 in. cable, |
| DSAVIQ-USB2L | Virtual Media server interface module for USB 2.0 w/ 20 in. cable |
| DSAVIQ-PS2M | Virtual Media server interface module for VGA video, PS/2 keyboard and mouse, and USB 2.0 virtual media w/ 14 in. PS/2 and USB cables |
| DSRIQ-VMC | USB2 server interface module supporting Virtual Media and Smartcard (CAC) - 20" cabling |
Reviews
By Patrick J. Pedroso, Mirapath, 04/23/2009
Test environment: We setup a small test environment consisting of the Avocent MPU, a Cyclades TS400 and a Dell tower PC. Out of box setup was completed in less than 10 minutes with the help of the setup guide provided. We connected an Avocent MPUIQ-SRL serial dongle to the TS400 and had the Dell PC for KVM and Virtual Media testing connected via the DSAVIQ-US82 dongle. Setup consisted of powering up the MPU and connecting via the serial port first and configuring the IP addresses. Once the IP information was entered we were able to connect to the MPU's web interface using the IP address we established for the MPU during setup. We connected a USB thumb drive to the front of the MPU and mounted an image of Red Hat as our virtual media.
Our first test was KVM, SSH, and telnet sessions. Our objectives were to scout out new features and to check various items like screen resolution, mouse sync, etc. Our next test was to see how virtual media was mounted and used with each. Our third test was to go through the user interfaces to scout for changes and gauge usability.
KVM and virtual media testing went as follows: The MPU had the same KVM interface as the DSR but was missing the align mouse function which we feel was very important for devices with the PS2 module. Connecting to the device is the same as the DSR through the Target Devices category. We then mounted our virtual media and was able to access the virtual device with no problems or performance issues. Overall, the java based KVM session was stable and responsive which we have come to expect with our years of experience with the Avocent product line.
The MPU web interface is almost identical to that of the Avocent DSR except for a few added options such as the new SNMP category. The MPU's web interface, as far as performance, was the same as the DSR with menu transitions and setting changes giving sub 3 second response times.
Serial port connectivity was much more simplified. With the MPUIQ-SRL there is no need for complex adapter configurations. For example, when connecting to a Cisco device via the DSR you would need a combination of 2 adapters and a rollover cable. With the MPU you only need the MPUIQ-SRL and a simple setting change in the interface.
Overall we were satisfied with the improvements on the MPU over the DSR. With our years of experience using these device types we can say that this is a worthy replacement for the DSR, if one required the additional features in one's environment. As the MPU is a great appliance for a branch office where there is a necessity for a combination of KVM and serial sessions. We have outlined below the Pros and Cons of this device from our experience. Thank you for reading.
Avocent MergePoint Unity Switch
Pros:
- Easy setup. Less than 10 min to complete, quick setup guide is detailed.
- Short boot time. Less than 30 sec boot.
- Web UI is faster. Seamless menu switching and < .3 sec response time per click.
- Added serial capabilities through IQ modules.
- Virtual media response time and setup same as DSR
- Web interface has similar look and feel to DSR
- No need for multiple adapters to get the right pinout for Cisco and other devices
- Options to save config and user db
- Added SNMP menu option to configure traps, and other related SNMP options
Cons:
- Local UI is slow. Response to mouse clicks is delayed by up to .5 seconds.
- Serial sessions not working when logged in locally. The JAVA applet session loads and runs but a connection is never made to the device. Ticket 65538053 with additional details has been created with Avocent support. You can get to the device via SSH and web GUI applet.
- No PS2 ports for older datacenter carts.
- No align mouse button in KVM session, which makes it hard to work with the session using PS2 dongle without using single cursor mode.
- No lights on the front or back to indicate port status. DSR has this.
