[ale] 1U server question

[Jim Lynch]

Ryan Fish wrote:
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ale-bounces at ale.org [mailto:ale-bounces at ale.org] On Behalf Of Jim
> Lynch
> Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007 4:56 AM
> To: Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts
> Subject: Re: [ale] 1U server question
>
> Jeff Lightner wrote:
>   
>> I think you missed the point.
>>
>> The NIC/IP discussed below is for a "management card" which is separate
>> from the standard kind of NIC you use for OSes.  Typically such
>> "management cards" are accessible even when the OS is shutdown so long
>> as there is power to the chassis.   These are quite common on UNIX
>> servers such as HP.
>>
>> My earlier suggestion was that the Dell 1950 has something built into it
>> already that may do this though I wasn't sure.  If not I know they do
>> sell a management card solution for some of their systems.  It appears
>> Jonathan is saying Dell and HP do sell such solutions.
>>
>> The benefit to this device is you can use it to power cycle the system
>> even when the OS is already down.  They also usually have a console
>> interface so that you can access the OS when it up.  Also since it is
>> built into your 1U rack space you don't have to try to plan for more
>> rack space for external KVM or remote power controllers.
>>   
>>     
> OK, I understand.  Thanks.
> -----------------------------------------
>
>
> If you go with Dell hardware get the DRAC.
> If you go with HP hardware get the iLO and pay for the console access
> license.
> If you go with any other hardware check into what they offer in the way of a
> remote management card.
>
> Your other option is to use a KVM-over-IP.  I've installed and used the
> Avocent offerings in several locations.
> http://www.avocent.com/web/en.nsf/Content/solution-server
>
> If you're only going to have a single server you can connect the KVM-over-IP
> switch directly to your box.  Otherwise you would connect it to a standard
> KVM switch that connects to your box.
>
> BTW, if you go with a Dell most, if not all, of them now only come with USB
> ports so verify with the vendor and plan accordingly if you choose to use a
> KVM-over-IP solution.
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Ale mailing list
> Ale at ale.org
> http://www.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
>
>   

You guys have pretty much convinced me to forget this idea.  As I 
mentioned before this isn't going to bring in any money and with a 1U 
colo costing up to and beyond $100/mo, adding a switch and/or other 
hardware will probably double that number.  I'm trying to get by on the 
cheap.  :(  I thought my hardware in a colo location might be cheaper 
than getting a dedicated system somewhere, but it sure doesn't look like 
that's gonna happen.

I guess I'll just have to find a friendly colo close by so if I need to 
connect to the console, I can run by with a laptop for the serial port.

Thanks again for all the advice.

Jim.