User guide

1
CHAPTER
1
Product Overview
The Avocent AMX
®
switch is a KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) switch that allows users to
access multiple system servers or serial devices from a single keyboard, monitor and mouse.
Multiple users in different locations can share access to PC, USB or Sun servers and serial devices.
A typical AMX switching system consists of one or more AMX switches, user stations and
Avocent matrix intelligent (IQ) modules. Up to three tiers of AMX switches can be cascaded to
provide seamless access to a large number of target devices. Other KVM switches, including
Avocent and non-Avocent branded, may also be attached in a cascaded system but do not provide
seamless cascading.
All AMX switches are rack mountable and are equipped with the Avocent patented OSCAR
®
graphical user interface and the AMWorks
®
Java™-based system administration tool.
Features and Benefits
Multiplatform
With the AMX switching system, you can access any combination of PC, USB or Sun servers and
serial devices using a single keyboard and mouse.
Connection sharing
Two or more users can share access to the same target device simultaneously through the AMX
switch. When sharing a connection to a target device, all users see the video but only one user at a
time controls the keyboard and mouse.
Security
The AMX KVM switching system allows you to house valuable equipment in controlled areas.
IQ
modules, compact devices that eliminate cable bulk, prevent unauthorized access to a target
device through cable manipulation. You can control user access by assigning rights to each
username for specific target devices. Administrative privileges, usernames and the serial port are
also password-protected.
LDAP user authentication
The AMX switch supports the LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) user authentication
mode. LDAP provides the Active Directory for username and password authentication.