RJ45 to KVM and the 8 Port Expansion Modules

[CCyre]

Hey there I have a non IP KVM that just converts KVM's to RJ45 with the dongles and they all hook up to the switch. You can also get 8 port expansion modules to put in other racks that way you are just running 1 cord per module to the main switch.

Can you use just any ordinary hub as opposed to the 8 port expansion module? I am shuffling some servers around and while that project is in mid stream I don't want to purchase anymore 8 port expansion mods or run any special temp cables. Thanks

[Pieter 't Hart]

the signal is just converted to somthing suitable for transport over UTP-cabling with RJ-45 connectors.
it is NOT an ethernet signal, it is NOT tcp/ip!

So a ethernet hub that is basically just a place wich connect wires together (with some amplification) will not be able to distinguish between different KVM-dongles and hence will not work in place of an expansion module.

The ip-version of the KVM itself can be connected to the network and present the console (KVM) to a remote workstation (depending of model by IE , RDP or a special application).
the connection between KVM and dongles is NOT tcp/ip.

the expansion modules do nothing with tcp/ip and therefore are simpler and cheaper.

Hope this answer the question ?

regards
Pieter

[CCyre]

Yes it does, I actually tested it this morning and found out what you just said. As for being cheaper? I'm not sure about that. $185 for the 8 port module on yobitech.com. Cheapest I can find. But that isn't cheap :) Thanks though.

[BobPierce]

It seems like this 8 port expansion module has been discontinued.

Is that true? And, if so is there another product (hp or otherwise) that will provide this function?