KVM Switch or Console Server — Which is Right For You?

Both are tools for managing your network; the real difference lies in what type of equipment they can manage.

KVM Switch

KVM Switches allow access to and control of nearby computers and servers—across the room, in another room, on another floor of the building.

IP KVM Switches access the same type of equipment, but they can remotely access and control them from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

Use a KVM Switch to manage:

  • Computers/File Servers
  • Domain Servers
  • Print Servers
  • Blade Servers

Console Server

Console Servers enable access to and control of all network devices, including those at remote locations—across campus, in another city, overseas.

Use an IP Console Server to manage:

  • Computers/File Servers
  • Domain Servers
  • Print Servers
  • Blade Servers
  • Firewalls
  • IP KVM Switches
  • PBX Systems
  • PDUs
  • Remote Power Control Units
  • Routers
  • Storage Systems
  • Switches
  • UNIX/LINUX Servers
  • UPS Systems

The table below describes the specific capabilities of each product type.

Product Features by Grouping KVM Switches IP KVM Switches IP Console Servers
Explore Tripp Lite KVM Switches Explore Tripp Lite Console Servers

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Allow users to manage network devices remotely over IP network, in-band (via Ethernet) Yes Yes Yes
Allow users to manage network devices remotely over IP network, out-of-band (via modem/serial port) Yes select models Yes
Enables display of BIOS on reboot Yes Yes  
Include expansion capability, allowing multiple users to manage multiple devices select models select models Yes
Provide support of virtual media select models select models  
Manage "Headless" devices (items without display, keyboard or mouse) such as switches, routers, UPS systems, PDUs, KVMs, Firewalls, some servers, etc. Yes Yes Yes
Have built-in service processor controls     Yes
Provide a variety of management tools (IMPI, BMC, NUT, Nagios)     Yes
Come equipped with temperature sensors     select models
Provide secure tunneling connections     Yes
Embedded, programmable Linux     Yes