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