Guntermann & Drunck News - May 2009

For mission-critical applications highest concentration as well as reliance in the computer technology are essential for the ATCO’s work. The German manufacturer Guntermann & Drunck GmbH cares about the requirements of both man and machine by providing KVM products: man receives space and appreciates the absence of computer emissions such as heat and noise. Computers receive air-condition and access protection in a separate plant room. KVM products bring them back together again. How KVM works in detail can be discovered at G&D’s booth at this year’s Airportshow in Dubai.

In nearly all sectors of computer technology KVM is applied. “KVM“ is an abbreviation of the terms “Keyboard“, “Video“, “Mouse“.

In both the control centre and the tower, KVM systems enable the removal of computers into separate plant rooms. This not only creates space at the controller desks but also improves the computers’ accessibility in case of need for maintenance. Preventive monitoring of the device states, event messages via network or the possibility to create multiple redundancies are more features of G&D’s KVM extenders for mission-critical applications.  

A KVM extender system consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The system’s transmitter taps the computer’s external interfaces, the K-eyboard, V-ideo and M-ouse interface, and uses the already existing cabling to transmit them to the receiver in the control centre. Here, the flight controller connects his peripherals and operates the remote computer in real-time without noticing the distance – independent of the network. The KVM systems automatically carry out the setup. Further advantages that result from this technology:

–    1:1 connection
–    real-time transmission
–    independent of operating systems and free of software
–    bridge distances up to 10,000 m
–    use of standard cabling
–    high resolutions
–    1:1 performance without delays

In case of maintenance, the responsible IT administrator obtains easy access to the computer. He can access the computer by a second console located in the plant room, which is connected to the KVM sender. Thus, the controller is able to continue his work without any distractions. This way, maintenance work can be carried out much faster.

Modular system and possibilities for combination
A special feature the extenders made by Guntermann & Drunck offer, is their diverse variants. Based on the existing cable medium (CAT or fibre optics), the user selects the signals he wants to extend and gets the fitting product from G&D:

–    keyboard/mouse
–    video (VGA, single-link or dual-link DVI; also multi-channel)
–    RS232
–    audio
–    USB

The KVM components are ready for flash upgrade and provided with a redundant power supply. All devices are available as desktop or rackmount variants. Hence, standard products can be exactly and flexibly adjusted to the customer’s demands without the necessity of a special solution.

By combining KVM extenders with switches, several computer/controller lines can be comfortably switched via one console. Of course this also works if several computers at the desk are connected and are to be switched via one console consisting of 1 x keyboard, monitor and mouse. This not only saves peripherals but also space.

Safety functions of the KVM extenders
As safety is paramount, Guntermann & Drunck offers expanded solutions for mission-critical application with special features such as:

–    event reporting functions (e.g. for interferences)
–    two integrated self-monitoring power packs
–    link control (monitoring the fibre optics)
–    permanent monitoring of the computer video signal with reporting function
–    SMNP and syslog messages

Driven by experience and knowledge
As manifold as their variants are the possibilities for combining G&D’s products made in Germany. The KVM products adapt to the existing requirements as well as to the environment variables and can be easily integrated into the customer’s concept. The company provides almost 25 years of knowledge and experience, which is reflected in the solution competency in service, planning, integration and initiation of the German manufacturer.

Visit G&D at the Airportshow Dubai, 19-21 May 2008, booth WJ 16

Author:
Annette Haebel

Dortmunder Strasse 4a • D-57234 Wilnsdorf
Phone +49 (0) 2739/8901-154
Fax +49 (0) 2739/8901-120

eMail: haebel@gdsys.de
http://www.gdsys.de