Eaton 16-Port Cat5 KVM over IP Switch with 19" LCD — 1U Rack-Mount, TAA

Elevate your data center, server room, or lab with the Eaton 16-Port Cat5 KVM over IP Switch. Designed for efficient, centralized control of multiple servers, this compact 1U appliance combines an integrated 19-inch LCD front panel with robust IP-based KVM access, delivering streamlined management, enhanced security, and scalable performance. Perfect for environments that demand quick server access, uninterrupted uptime, and reliable remote administration, this switch helps admins monitor, troubleshoot, and operate a fleet of servers from a single console. With the built-in LCD, you gain immediate visibility into server status without the need to boot every host, while the IP-based remote access enables administrators to securely manage systems from anywhere in the network or data center.

• 16-port Cat5 KVM over IP switch: Centralize control of up to sixteen servers or virtual machines via standard Cat5/Cat5e cabling, simplifying cable management and reducing rack clutter.
• Front-panel 19" LCD for local monitoring: A dedicated LCD interface on the front of the unit provides quick, at-a-glance server status and streamlined local management, even when remote access is not available.
• 1 remote or 1 local user support: Flexible access options allow a single administrator to securely manage hosts either locally at the rack or remotely over the network, ensuring focused control and reducing contention.
• 1U rack-mount form factor: Efficient 1U footprint designed to fit standard 19-inch racks, maximizing space in dense data centers and server rooms while maintaining easy access for maintenance.
• TAA-compliant for government procurement: Built to meet Trade Agreements Act requirements, making it eligible for U.S. federal and related procurement programs and ensuring compliance for sensitive deployments.

Designed to deliver reliable, high-performance management capabilities, the Eaton 16-Port Cat5 KVM over IP Switch blends hardware efficiency with practical features that IT teams depend on daily. The Cat5 connectivity supports economical, flexible cabling that scales as you grow, while the IP-based access enables secure remote management across the network. The integrated LCD panel provides a tangible, immediate view of the system state, improving mean time to repair and reducing the need to physically move to every console during routine checks. This combination makes the switch well-suited for data centers, enterprise IT rooms, labs, and broadcast environments where uptime and quick response are critical.

Key benefits include simplified administration, reduced travel time for on-site technicians, and improved operational continuity through remote control capabilities. With a single device handling multiple servers, teams can implement standardized procedures, ensure consistent configurations, and accelerate incident response. The Eaton KVM over IP switch is designed with durability and ease of use in mind, featuring straightforward installation, intuitive front panel controls, and IP-based management that integrates with existing infrastructure. Whether you are consolidating physical servers, managing a mix of physical and virtual hosts, or supporting a remote office environment, this 16-port switch provides a dependable solution for centralized access and management.

In addition to core functionality, the unit supports secure authentication and access control mechanisms to ensure that only authorized personnel can interact with the connected servers. The combination of remote access capabilities and local console options helps reduce downtime during maintenance windows and expedites routine tasks such as firmware updates, configuration changes, and health checks. The 19" LCD on the front panel serves as a practical helper during routine administration, offering status indicators and quick navigation to essential controls without requiring a separate monitor for every server. This is especially valuable in environments where space is at a premium or where technicians need rapid visibility at the rack line.

For organizations that prioritize compliance, procurement flexibility, and streamlined asset management, the Eaton 16-Port Cat5 KVM over IP Switch delivers a compelling value proposition. It supports the needs of IT managers who must oversee multi-server environments while maintaining tight security, consistent configurations, and efficient change control. The device is designed to integrate smoothly with standard data-center tooling and workflows, allowing administrators to document changes, track access history, and maintain an auditable trail of management actions. In short, it is a practical, scalable, and secure solution for centralized server access and monitoring.

From a versatility perspective, the switch supports a range of deployment scenarios, including single-rack deployments in SMB to mid-market data centers and larger enterprise environments where a compact KVM-over-IP solution is preferred for space and budget considerations. The combination of 16 ports, IP connectivity, a front LCD, and a 1U footprint makes it an attractive choice for teams that need to maximize rack density without sacrificing control or visibility. This Eaton solution can be a central piece in a broader KVM strategy, complementing other management tools, server virtualization platforms, and remote administration strategies to deliver cohesive, reliable operations across the infrastructure.

Technical Details of Eaton 16-Port Cat5 KVM over IP Switch

• Port count: 16-port KVM over IP switch (Cat5)
• Display: Front-facing 19" LCD for local status and quick management checks
• Access: Supports 1 remote user or 1 local user at a time for secure, dedicated console control
• Form factor: 1U rack-mount chassis compatible with standard 19" racks
• Compliance: TAA-compliant for government procurement and compliance requirements
• Connectivity: Cat5/Cat5e cabling for KVM extenders and IP-based remote access
• Management: IP-based management with secure access controls to protect console sessions

How to install Eaton 16-Port Cat5 KVM over IP Switch

Installing the Eaton 16-Port Cat5 KVM over IP Switch is designed to be straightforward, enabling rapid deployment in existing rack environments. Follow these general steps to install and configure the switch for immediate use, ensuring you maximize the benefits of centralized, IP-based KVM management:

• Plan your rack layout: Identify the rack space where the switch will reside and map the sixteen target servers to the corresponding KVM ports. Ensure adequate airflow and cable routing to avoid obstructing front-panel access.
• Mount the device in the rack: Use compatible screws to secure the 1U unit to the rack rails. Level and tighten to prevent movement during operation or maintenance.
• Connect KVM and network cabling: Attach each server's keyboard, video, and mouse connectors to the corresponding KVM ports using Cat5 or Cat5e cabling as recommended by Eaton. Connect the switch's IP management port to your network with a suitable Ethernet switch or router.
• Power up and initial configuration: Connect the power supply and power on the switch. Use the front LCD and on-device controls to perform initial configuration, including admin credentials, access policies, and port mappings for remote and local sessions.
• Establish remote access and security: Configure user accounts, authentication methods, and access rights. Set up any necessary IP-based access controls or VPN integration, and verify that remote sessions can be established from a management workstation.
• Test connectivity and performance: Initiate a local session from the LCD console and a remote session from your management station. Check for video quality, keyboard/mouse responsiveness, and stability across all connected servers.
• Document configuration and maintenance procedures: Record port mappings, user access policies, and commonly used shortcuts for your IT staff. Maintain an up-to-date inventory of devices connected to the switch for efficient troubleshooting.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many servers can I manage with this switch? A: The Eaton 16-Port Cat5 KVM over IP Switch supports control of up to sixteen servers or host systems via Cat5 connectivity, enabling centralized management for mid-size deployments and scalable growth.
• Q: Can more than one person access the switch simultaneously? A: The device is designed for a single remote or local user at a time to ensure secure, conflict-free control of each connected host. Shared access may require additional coordination or a staged workflow.
• Q: Is the LCD display on the front panel helpful for day-to-day operations? A: Yes. The 19" LCD on the front panel provides quick visibility into server status and essential controls, enabling technicians to perform routine checks without always needing remote access.
• Q: Is this switch compliant with government procurement standards? A: Yes. The unit is TAA-compliant, making it suitable for use in government and related procurement programs that require compliance with Trade Agreements Act guidelines.
• Q: What environments is this switch best suited for? A: It is well-suited for data centers, enterprise IT rooms, labs, and other environments where centralized KVM management, IP-based remote access, and space-efficient rack deployment are desirable.
• Q: What kind of cabling is recommended? A: Cat5/Cat5e cables are recommended for KVM connections and IP network interfaces, allowing flexible routing and cost-effective deployment.