General Questions

What is Dominion KSX?

The Dominion KSX is a second generation digital KVM (Keyboard, Video Mouse) switch that enables IT administrators to access and control 8, 16, 32, or 64* servers over the network with BIOS-level functionality. The Dominion KSX is completely hardware and OS-independent; users can troubleshoot and reconfigure servers even when servers are down.

At the rack, the Dominion KSX provides the same functionality, convenience, space savings, and cost savings as traditional analog KVM switches. However, the Dominion KSX also integrates the industry's highest-performing KVM-over-IP technology, allowing multiple administrators to access server KVM consoles from any networked workstation.

The Dominion KSX is completely hardware and OS-independent; users can troubleshoot and reconfigure servers even when servers are down.

How does the Dominion KSX differ from remote control software?

When using the Dominion KSX remotely, the interface, at first glance, may seem similar to remote control software such as pcAnywhere, Windows Terminal Services/Remote Desktop, VNC, and so forth. However, because the Dominion KSX is not a software but a hardware solution, it's much more powerful. Specifically:

• OS- and hardware-independent - The Dominion KSX can be used to manage servers running many popular OS, including Intel^®, Sun^TM, PowerPC running Windows, Linux^®, Solaris^TM, etc.
• State-Independent/Agentless - The Dominion KSX does not require the managed server's operating system to be up and running, nor does it require any special software to be installed on the managed server.
• Out-of-Band - Even if the managed server's own network connection is unavailable, it can still be managed through the Dominion KSX.
• BIOS-Level Access - Even if the server is hung at boot up, requires booting to safe mode or requires system BIOS parameters to be altered, the Dominion KSX still works flawlessly to enable these configurations to be made.
• OS- and hardware-independent - Dominion KSX can be used to manage servers running many popular operating systems, including Intel, Sun, PowerPC running Windows, Linux, Solaris, and so forth.

How do the new features of the Dominion KSX compare to the KSX I?

The Dominion KSX has many new and exciting features, including virtual media, dual gigabit Ethernet, next generation local port, enhanced support for serial ports, and so forth.

How do I migrate from the Dominion KSX I to the Dominion KSX?

In general, customers can continue to use their existing switches for many years. As their data centers expand, customers can purchase and use the new Dominion KSX models. Raritan's centralized management unit, CommandCenter Secure Gateway, and the Multi-Platform Client (MPC) both support KSX I and Dominion KSX switches seamlessly.

What CIMs are supported for the Dominion KSX switch?

Refer to Supported Operating Systems and CIMs (KVM Target Servers).

Can the Dominion KSX be rack mounted?

Yes. The Dominion KSX ships standard with 19" rack mount brackets. It can also be reverse rack mounted so the server ports face forward.

How large is the Dominion KSX?

The Dominion KSX is only 1U high, fits in a standard 19" rack mount, and is only 11.4" (29 cm) deep.