Vertiv Avocent MPU KVM Switch | 8 Port, 1 Digital Path, Dual AC Power, TAA

The Vertiv Avocent MPU MergePoint Unity KVM switch delivers a unified, secure management solution that blends KVM over IP with serial console access in a single, purpose-built appliance. Designed for data centers, enterprise IT rooms, and distributed campuses, this 8-port KVM switch empowers administrators to monitor, control, and troubleshoot a wide range of servers and network devices from any location, at any time. With a single digital path and redundant dual-power input, the MPU provides resilient remote management that reduces on-site visits, speeds incident response, and improves overall IT efficiency while maintaining strict security and compliance standards.

• Unified KVM over IP and serial console management — Seamlessly manage multiple servers and devices through a consolidated interface that combines keyboard-video-mouse control with serial console access. This integration minimizes the need for local presence, accelerates troubleshooting, and simplifies operational workflows by keeping every console, session, and command within a single, auditable environment.
• Eight-port scalability for growing data centers — With eight dedicated KVM ports and a single digital path, the MPU supports expanding IT environments without sacrificing centralized visibility. Operators can rapidly switch between hosts, configure custom layouts, and build scalable management schemes that grow alongside your infrastructure, eliminating the clutter of separate consoles and reducing latency in remote tasks.
• Secure remote access from anywhere, anytime — Engineered for distributed IT ecosystems, the MPU delivers encrypted, authenticated remote access to connected systems. Features such as role-based access control, comprehensive session auditing, and tamper-resistant logging enable compliant operations, minimize the risk of unauthorized access, and provide clear accountability for every remote interaction.
• Redundant dual-AC power for high availability — The unit is built for uptime, featuring dual power inputs and the option for hot-swappable power supplies. This redundancy ensures continuous availability during maintenance, power events, or component failures, preserving remote management capabilities and protecting critical services from disruption.
• Easy integration with MergePoint Unity ecosystem and firmware resilience — As part of Vertiv’s Avocent portfolio, MPU integrates smoothly with MergePoint Unity management tools, centralized configuration, and streamlined firmware update workflows. This enables effortless multi-site deployments, consistent policy enforcement, and ongoing security enhancements without complicating day-to-day administration.

Technical Details of Vertiv Avocent MPU KVM Switch

• Ports — 8-port KVM switch with 1 Digital Path designed for remote access and management across multiple servers and devices.
• Management — KVM over IP plus serial console access, enabling robust out-of-band management and rapid remediation without physical access to hardware.
• Security — Encrypted sessions, strong authentication options, and detailed auditing to support governance, risk management, and compliance requirements.
• Power — Dual AC power inputs for redundancy and reliability; provides failover capability to maintain management access during power events.
• Compliance — TAA-compliant to meet procurement requirements for government and enterprise environments.
• Compatibility — Designed to integrate with the Vertiv Avocent and MergePoint Unity ecosystem for centralized monitoring, policy-based access, and scalable administration across sites.
• Management interface — Web-based console and secure command-line interface (CLI) for flexible configuration, scripting, and automation in larger deployments.

How to Install Vertiv Avocent MPU KVM Switch

Installing the Vertiv Avocent MPU KVM Switch starts with careful planning of your management topology. Begin by identifying the network segment that will carry management traffic and verifying that all administrators who require access have appropriate credentials. Connect the eight server endpoints to the corresponding KVM ports using standard KVM cables, ensuring devices are powered and reachable on the management network. Attach any serial console devices you want to manage through the dedicated console interfaces, then connect the MPU to power using both AC inputs for redundancy. Power on the appliance and begin the initial setup from the web-based management interface or the secure CLI.

During the initial configuration, assign a static IP address or a reserved DHCP lease for predictable access, create administrator accounts with role-based permissions, and enable essential security features such as session encryption, MFA (where supported), and auditing. Update the device firmware to the latest release to ensure optimal performance, security patches, and compatibility with your existing management tools. Define access policies, set up event logging, and establish alerting rules so that IT staff are notified of unusual or unauthorized activity. Finally, validate the deployment by opening remote KVM sessions to each attached host, verifying keyboard and mouse responsiveness, and confirming reliable serial console connectivity across all configured ports.

To maintain ongoing reliability, schedule regular maintenance windows for firmware updates and health checks, monitor power redundancy indicators, and test failover sequences to ensure uninterrupted management even in adverse conditions. This approach helps maximize uptime, preserve secure access, and support efficient incident response across the entire data center or IT environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How many ports does the Vertiv Avocent MPU KVM Switch have? A: It supports 8 KVM ports with 1 Digital Path for centralized remote management.
• Q: Does this switch support KVM over IP and serial console access? A: Yes. The MPU combines KVM over IP with serial console management in a single appliance, enabling flexible remote administration.
• Q: Is the power supply redundant? A: Yes. The unit features dual AC power inputs to provide high availability and minimize downtime during maintenance or power events.
• Q: Is the device TAA compliant? A: Yes. The Vertiv MPU KVM Switch is TAA-compliant, suitable for government and enterprise procurement.
• Q: Can I integrate MPU with MergePoint Unity and other Vertiv management tools? A: Absolutely. The MPU is designed to work within the MergePoint Unity ecosystem, enabling centralized management, policy-based access, and scalable deployments across multiple sites.