KVM remote-control switches tend to conform to a common pattern, with a central rackmounted switch to which both the local management console and servers to be controlled are attached.

But not so with the Z-Series from Raritan, which does away with the switch in favour of daisychained server modules and an independent remote user station.

The main benefit of the product is space saving, with rarely much room inside server racks, even in a small business.

It also allows the console to be located at a distance from the servers to be managed, even outside the server room if required.

The modules and user station are also connected using standard Cat5 cables, making it a lot neater and easier to put together than a conventional KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) solution.

Up to 42 servers can be managed using the Raritan Z-Series product, although the Z4200U starter kit we tested only comes with enough of the special Z-Series Computer Interface Modules (Z-CIMs) to cope with three to begin with. Additional modules cost around £99 ex VAT each.

About the size of a large box of matches, the Z-CIM units plug into the video connector on the back of each server with a couple of fly-leads attached for the keyboard and mouse.

However, standard DIN connectors are the only option here, which means using converters (at an extra cost of £54 ex VAT each) for servers with USB keyboards and mice.

A pair of RJ45 ports on each module are used to build the daisychain, using either the Cat5 cables provided (2m) or longer leads of your own.

The overall limit is 300m end to end, with a small terminator that needs to be plugged into the module furthest away from the management console.

We found this arrangement quick and easy to set up. However, the Z-CIM modules themselves could be an issue, calling for a good 10cm of clear space at the rear of the servers, which may not always be available.

The console, meanwhile, is made up of a standard PC monitor, keyboard and mouse which are plugged into the small User Station module included in the kit.

Powered by an external AC adapter this, again, can’t be used with USB devices although, as well as ordinary PS/2 style connectors, a port for a Sun keyboard is provided.A simple on-screen menu is used to manage the KVM chain, with each new module discovered automatically as it’s connected, and given a name that can be edited to better identify the attached system.

You can also choose the server to control from the on-screen menu, use predefined hotkeys to select targets or scroll through the chain using a couple of buttons on the front of the user station.

Maximum screen resolution is 1,600 x 1,200, which is more than adequate for server use with automatic adjustment when switching between servers with different video setups.

This worked faultlessly in our tests, even when we unplugged servers from the chain and added others in, with no need to re-set anything when this happens.

The Z-Series product can also be used to extend other, conventional Raritan switches and an IP interface is also available.

Drawbacks include a lack of password protection on the user station, plus it’s a bit expensive for companies with only a few servers to manage.

Still, it’s neat, works well and is worth considering where rack space is at a premium.