AdderView Matrix MP KVM switch review

Adder's impressive KVM switch can support eight remote hosts and can be rack-mounted

Network IT Week, 21 Mar 2006

Adder’s AdderView Matrix MP KVM switch is capable of supporting two local consoles and eight remote hosts. Power comes from a small AC adapter and consoles are attached using USB keyboards and mice, with standard PS/2 connectors used for the servers. The server cables come in differing lengths and at the server end there is support for both USB and Sun keyboards and mice as well as standard PS/2 connections.

Brackets for rack mounting are included and the switch starts working as soon as it is powered up. Displays on the front indicate the console being used and the ports being controlled. Buttons alongside allow manual port selection, in addition to which you can use keyboard hot-keys and/or a menu-driven on-screen display (OSD).

The OSD menus are very straightforward, with the computer to be controlled selected from a list. A degree of customisation is also possible; for example, we were able to give each port a user-friendly name, set up users and specify which ports they were allowed to manage. Passwords can be used to limit access and with two local consoles you get three access modes – exclusive, shared and view-only.

Custom KVM extenders can be used to support remote consoles, while Adder’s AdderLink IP (£532 + VAT) device supports remote access over Ethernet.

Product overview

Price: £539 + VAT
Manufacturer: Adder
Specifications:

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Verdict

Adder’s AdderView Matrix MP AVM-208MP offers good value, with support for two local consoles and an intuitive management interface. It wins the Editor's Choice award for non-IP-based KVM switches in this grouptest.

Pros: Support for two local consoles; long cable length; multi-platform cables; simple interface; optional KVM-over-IP add-on.

Cons: Cables can be bulky.