Vertiv Avocent MPU KVM Switch | 16 port | 2 Digital Path | Dual AC Power TAA

Designed for data centers, enterprise IT rooms, and challenging edge deployments, the Vertiv Avocent MPU KVM Switch delivers secure, flexible remote management by unifying KVM over IP and serial console access in a single, efficient appliance. With 16 ports and two digital paths, IT teams gain scalable control over a wide range of servers, storage devices, and networking gear from virtually anywhere—without sacrificing security or performance. The Dual AC power configuration provides redundancy to maintain uninterrupted management during power events, while TAA compliance ensures procurement suitability for government and regulated industries. When paired with Vertiv Avocent MergePoint Unity, this switch becomes a core component of a centralized, scalable management framework that reduces on-site visits, accelerates incident response, and simplifies routine maintenance across distributed environments.

• Unified KVM over IP and serial console management in one compact appliance, enabling administrators to access and control servers, network devices, and storage from a single interface—dramatically simplifying day-to-day maintenance and troubleshooting.
• 16-port capacity with 2 digital paths, allowing concurrent, independent sessions for remote maintenance, routine diagnostics, and BIOS-level interventions without interrupting other connected devices.
• Secure remote access from anywhere, anytime through web-based consoles and client interfaces, reinforced by role-based access controls and encrypted communication to protect sensitive data and access credentials.
• Dual redundant AC power inputs for high availability, ensuring continued management capability even during power disturbances or during maintenance of primary power sources.
• TAA-compliant design ready for government and regulated industries, with seamless scalability through MergePoint Unity for centralized management of multiple Avocent NVRAM-enabled appliances and a growing fleet of servers and appliances.

Technical Details of Vertiv Avocent MPU KVM Switch

• Ports and pathways: 16-port KVM switch that supports KVM over IP and serial console access across connected devices, enabling remote console sessions, keyboard/mouse control, and serial management from a centralized point.
• Digital path capability: 2 digital paths provide simultaneous maintenance sessions, preserving uptime for production work while administrators perform diagnostics or firmware updates on separate devices.
• Management interfaces: Web-based graphical user interface, command-line interface access, and API options for integration with enterprise management platforms and automation workflows.
• Security and access control: Role-based access control, secure authentication options, and encrypted communication channels to safeguard sessions and prevent unauthorized access to managed equipment.
• Power and reliability: Dual AC power inputs support redundant power delivery, enhancing resilience in mission-critical environments and reducing risk during maintenance windows or power fluctuations.
• Compliance and procurement: TAA-compliant design that aligns with government procurement standards and audits, making it suitable for public sector deployments and regulated industries.
• Scalability and integration: Designed to integrate with Vertiv Avocent MergePoint Unity for centralized, scalable management across many Avocent devices, enabling uniform policies, sessions, and access controls.
• Remote media and BIOS access: Supports remote media and BIOS-level access to servers for firmware updates, OS deployments, and recovery operations without on-site intervention.

How to install Vertiv Avocent MPU KVM Switch

• Prepare the rack and ensure a suitable location with adequate ventilation and access to reserved management networks. Verify that you have the appropriate power sources and network cabling available for both management and service networks.
• Mount the KVM switch in a standard rack according to your data-center rack layout, ensuring clearance for cabling and airflow. Secure the unit to prevent movement during routine maintenance.
• Attach KVM cables from the switch’s KVM ports to each target device (servers, storage controllers, or network appliances). Use color-coded or labeled cables to simplify future maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Connect the management network: plug Ethernet cables into the management port(s) and connect to your out-of-band management network or data center management VLAN as appropriate for your security policy.
• Wire the power supplies: connect both redundant AC power inputs to separate power circuits to enable immediate failover in case of a power disturbance. If hot-swappable power supply modules are available, install them according to the chassis guidelines.
• Power on the unit and perform the initial configuration via the browser-based management interface or CLI. Begin by assigning a static IP address, gateway, and DNS as required by your network design.
• Create a secure administrator account and define role-based access controls for operators, technicians, and readers. Apply organization-wide security policies, authentication methods, and session timeout settings to protect remote sessions.
• Register the device with MergePoint Unity (if you are using it) to enable centralized monitoring, policy enforcement, and streamlined onboarding of additional Avocent devices. Import or configure user groups and session templates to standardize operations across the fleet.
• Test remote sessions: launch a KVM over IP console session and a serial console session to verify both digital paths function correctly. Confirm BIOS-level access and ability to mount remote media if required for software updates or OS deployments.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Vertiv Avocent MPU KVM Switch? It is a 16-port switch that combines KVM over IP and serial console management in a single appliance, enabling remote access, control, and diagnostics of multiple devices from anywhere with secure authentication and centralized policy support.
• How many simultaneous sessions does it support? It provides two digital paths for concurrent sessions, allowing independent maintenance of different devices without session interference or disruption to active servers.
• Is it suitable for government procurement? Yes. The device is designed to be TAA-compliant, making it appropriate for government and regulated industries that require traceable procurement practices and documented compliance.
• What kind of remote access and security features does it include? It offers secure remote access through web-based consoles and API access, with role-based access controls and encrypted communications to safeguard sensitive management sessions.
• Can it integrate with MergePoint Unity? Yes. It is designed to integrate with Vertiv Avocent MergePoint Unity, enabling centralized management, policy consistency, and scalable operations across large numbers of Avocent devices.