ATEN, a provider of KVM (keyboard/video/mouse) switches, remote management, LCD consoles, video and data connectivity offerings, has unveiled new eight and 16-port KVM switches with built-in IP access.

The company said that the new switches use both USB and PS/2 connectivity, and are IP-based KVM control units that allow either a local or remote operator access to eight and six directly connected computers, or through daisy chaining connections, up to 128 and 256 servers, respectively.

The KVMs features include a Panel Array Mode where users can selectively monitor attached servers simultaneously in a grid array; and Mouse DynaSync that automatically synchronises the local and remote mouse pointer movements for perfect alignment regardless of the server’s mouse acceleration settings.

In addition, its built-in feature the Message Board lets administrators communicate with each other, helping administrators manage their server room in an efficient and flexible manner, and also provide a cost-effective IT management offering for SMBs.

The switches support the security protocols, including 128-bit SSL encryption for the Web, and RC4 128-bit encryption for secure keyboard, mouse and video data transmission.

For efficient user management integration, the CS1708i/CS1716i KVM on the NET also supports authentication and authorisation via remote servers, such as RADIUS, LDAP, LDAPS, and Microsoft Active Directory.

ATEN CEO Sampson Yang said that the new KVM on the NET switches offer network administrators an easy-to-use management tool to access and monitor both local and remote servers.

"The company went a step further by adding value-add features such as Panel Array Mode and Message Board to give administrators even more flexibility," Yang said.