So I sometimes need the ability to console into my servers to troubleshoot something or change BIOS settings etc, but always balk at having to haul a monitor and keyboard to get local access. When I worked in datacenters they had those mobile KVM carts you could wheel around to accomplish this, but I’m looking for something more portable.
Something else I was looking into was the PiKVM which I think would satisfy the need, but I’m curious if anyone here has experience with them (either DIY or the prebuilt units)? Also, I believe I would need to keep one of these in each of my server locations, of which there are two that are on different floors of the house.
Anyone have some advice, or some other solutions I haven’t thought of? Thanks in advance!
At work we use the NexDock for that purpose (for anything that doesn’t have proper Ethernet remote management, at least). It’s relatively convenient that it’s self-powered and self-contained, basically a laptop minus the computer part.
(Conveniently, I see this is also a new model that replaces the awkward mini-HDMI port with a proper full-size one)
If you need VGA, you will have to buy an active VGA-to-HDMI dongle. They’re cheap (down to about $10-15 these days) and seem to work just fine.
Should the preference be to use a laptop you already own, you’ve got a few options. Either an IP KVM like the JetKVM, GL.iNet Comet, NanoKVM, etc, or a USB one such as the Openterface.
(Note that a couple of those links are pre-orders or otherwise not immediately available, make sure you do your research)
All of these things are fairly comprehensively reviewed by tech-focused Youtube channels, just gotta pick your favourite form factor.