Tripp Lite NetDirector USB Server Interface Unit with Virtual Media and Audio (B055-001-USB-VA)

The Tripp Lite NetDirector USB Server Interface Unit, model B055-001-USB-VA, is the compact bridge you need to elevate remote server management. Designed to work with the Tripp Lite B064-IPG Series KVM switches, this USB Server Interface Unit brings VGA video, USB keyboard/mouse control, and 3.5 mm audio signals over a single Cat5e/6 cable. Its standout feature is virtual media support, which enables remote mounting of ISO images and installers as if they were physically attached to the server—greatly accelerating operating system deployments, software updates, backups, and disaster recovery tasks. With a focus on reliability and ease of use, the unit helps IT teams minimize desk clutter, reduce heat in work areas, and maintain centralized control without sacrificing direct access to the server hardware.

In practice, NetDirector creates a seamless, low-latency connection between servers located in a data center rack and users at their workstations. By consolidating VGA video, audio, and USB input signals onto a single Cat5e/6 link, it simplifies wiring and reduces the number of separate cables required for each server. Administrators enjoy a familiar, local-like experience even when managing servers from distant locations, making routine tasks—from OS installations to remote BIOS adjustments—more efficient and less disruptive. The B055-001-USB-VA is built for enterprise environments, with robust construction that stands up to daily use in data centers and IT suites, while remaining compact enough to fit behind a rack or in a small cabinet. In addition to its practical benefits, the unit is designed to integrate smoothly into existing B064-IPG Series deployments, ensuring a cohesive and scalable KVM infrastructure.

• Designed for seamless integration with the B064-IPG Series KVM Switches, the NetDirector USB Server Interface Unit delivers a tightly coupled, plug-and-play solution that simplifies remote server management. You can mount, operate, and manage multiple servers through a single KVM console, reducing complexity and improving operational efficiency. The compatibility guarantees a smooth hand-off between local and remote control, so administrators experience consistent performance whether they are onsite or remote. The unit is ideal for data centers, server rooms, and IT closets where centralized control, predictable latency, and straightforward expansion are essential for day-to-day operations and occasional maintenance windows.
• Virtual Media and Audio support extend the capabilities of your remote management toolkit. Virtual media enables remote installation of operating systems, drivers, and software without physically attaching removable media to the server. Audio support ensures you can monitor system chatter, alerts, and status sounds as part of the remote session, providing a richer, more informative experience during critical maintenance or troubleshooting scenarios. This feature set is particularly valuable for IT teams that conduct regular deployments, firmware updates, and remote diagnostics from a single, centralized console.
• Long-distance reliability via Cat5e/6 cabling. The NetDirector USB Server Interface Unit communicates with the KVM switch over Category cable, enabling the server to reside up to 164 feet (50 meters) away from the KVM console. This extended reach is ideal for distributed data centers, multi-room server pods, or environments where the server room must be physically separated from user workstations. The long reach helps preserve data center security and thermal management while maintaining fast, interactive control for administrators who need real-time access to server hardware and BIOS settings.
• USB keyboard/mouse and VGA video compatibility. The unit provides standard HD15 VGA video (HD15 connector), a 3.5 mm audio path, and USB interfaces for keyboard and mouse input. This combination supports a familiar setup for IT staff, ensuring that command prompts, BIOS navigation, and OS installations appear as they would on a local desk, with immediate responsiveness and clear video output. The USB support ensures compatibility with a wide range of modern keyboards and mice, streamlining upgrade paths and shopping for replacement peripherals as your lab or data center evolves.
• Compact, durable design with enterprise readiness and compliance. Built to withstand daily data center use, the B055-001-USB-VA emphasizes reliability, straightforward deployment, and long-term compatibility with Tripp Lite’s NetDirector ecosystem. The product is TAA-compliant, making it suitable for government and enterprise procurement. The interface unit’s design prioritizes minimal footprint and simple cabling, helping tech teams keep racks tidy and organized while delivering dependable performance during high-demand operations such as OS refreshes, remote diagnostics, and routine maintenance windows.

Technical Details of Tripp Lite NetDirector USB Server Interface Unit

• Model: B055-001-USB-VA
• Series: NetDirector USB Server Interface Unit with Virtual Media and Audio
• Compatibility: Works with Tripp Lite B064-IPG Series KVM Switches
• Video Interface: HD15 VGA
• Audio Interface: 3.5 mm stereo audio
• USB Interfaces: USB keyboard and USB mouse
• Cabling: Cat5e/6 for remote connection to the KVM switch
• Maximum Cable Distance: Up to 164 feet (50 meters)
• Compliance: TAA-compliant

how to install Tripp Lite NetDirector USB Server Interface Unit

Preparing for installation begins with identifying a nearby server and a compatible B064-IPG Series KVM switch. The NetDirector USB Server Interface Unit is designed to be placed close to the server hardware, while the KVM switch can be positioned in a secure rack or centralized workspace. To install, follow these steps:

Step 1: Power down the server and the KVM switch before making any connections to avoid electrical issues or signal interference. Ensure you have a clean, organized workspace with sufficient clearance for cables and connectors.

Step 2: Connect the server’s VGA output to the NetDirector unit using a standard HD15 VGA cable. This establishes the high-definition video path that will be transmitted to the KVM switch and ultimately to the remote console.

Step 3: Connect the server’s USB keyboard and USB mouse to the appropriate USB ports on the NetDirector unit. This enables input device support for the remote session, ensuring administrators can navigate, type, and control the server from the KVM console as if they were sitting at the server itself.

Step 4: Connect the server’s audio output to the 3.5 mm audio input on the NetDirector unit if you require remote audio feedback during operations. The audio path allows alerts, system sounds, and notification cues to be experienced at the remote console, enhancing situational awareness during maintenance tasks.

Step 5: Run a Cat5e/6 cable from the NetDirector unit to the B064-IPG Series KVM switch. Ensure the cable is securely terminated and routed to minimize strain or interference. The Cat5e/6 link carries video, audio, and USB signals to the centralized switch, enabling the remote management session.

Step 6: Connect your KVM switch to the local console (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) and power on the devices. After powering up, use the KVM switch to select the NetDirector-connected server. The remote session should initiate with video and audio feeding through the same console you use for day-to-day operations.

Step 7: If you are leveraging virtual media, configure the remote session to mount ISO images or installers as needed. Virtual media is often accessed via the KVM switch’s on-screen display or through the NetDirector configuration interface on the server side. This capability accelerates OS deployment, patching, and maintenance tasks without physical media.

Step 8: Verify performance and latency. Check video clarity, audio quality, and mouse/keyboard responsiveness. If you experience latency or signal degradation, recheck the cable connections and ensure the Cat5e/6 link is properly shielded and free from electrical interference. This ensures a smooth, productive remote management experience for ongoing operations and urgent maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the primary purpose of the NetDirector USB Server Interface Unit?

A: It acts as a bridge between a server and a Tripp Lite B064-IPG Series KVM switch, carrying VGA video, USB keyboard/mouse, and 3.5 mm audio over Cat5e/6, with virtual media support to enable remote OS deployment and maintenance.

Q: How far can the KVM switch be located from the server?

A: Up to 164 feet (50 meters) using Cat5e/6 cabling, allowing flexible placement in data centers while keeping the server hardware in a secure or climate-controlled area.

Q: Does the device require software installation?

A: No software installation is required. It is designed for plug-and-play use with compatible B064-IPG Series KVM switches, delivering immediate functionality after the connections are made.

Q: What signals are supported by the NetDirector unit?

A: VGA video via HD15, USB for keyboard and mouse, and a 3.5 mm audio path. It also supports virtual media for remote OS deployments and maintenance tasks.

Q: Is this product compliant with government procurement requirements?

A: Yes, the unit is TAA-compliant, making it suitable for government and enterprise purchases that require Trade Agreements Act compliance.

Q: Can I manage multiple servers through a single KVM console using this interface?

A: Yes. The NetDirector USB Server Interface Unit is designed to work with B064-IPG Series KVM switches, enabling centralized management of multiple servers from a single console with shared VGA, USB, and audio pathways and virtual media support where applicable.