April 23, 2004
This document presents the results of the Linux Compatibility tests, which included the testing of Mandrake 9.2, Redhat Enterprise Server 3.0, TurboLinux Desktop 1.0, and SuSE 9.0 with the Avocent AMX.
AppLabs' Linux compatibility testing of this system showed the Avocent AMX to be compatible with Mandrake 9.2, Redhat Enterprise Server 3.0, TurboLinux Desktop 1.0, and SuSE 9.0. The Avocent AMX is awarded the AppLabs Linux Compatibility mark.
System Configuration
The following table defines the system configuration tested by AppLabs.
| KVM Hardware Tested |
|
This document covers the setup and testing of the Avocent AMX5010 switch, AMIQ-PS2 computer interface modules and AMX5120 user station in the context of a Linux environment. The testing attempts to ensure that the AMX will function as advertised when used with the Linux OS.
The AMX5010 switch is a sixty four-port KVM switch. Cables used for testing were standard CAT 5 cables connected to the provided AMIQ-PS2 computer interface modules and AMX5120 user station.
All testing of the AMX was done in a mixed OS environment.
|
| Other Hardware |
Video Monitor: Dell UtlraScan P780 color monitor
Mouse: IBM PS/2 mouse
Keyboard: IBM standard keyboard
CPU 1, Generic Pentium IV 2.4GHz, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB hard drive for Linux distributions.
CPU 2, Generic Pentium II 400MHz, 64 MB RAM, 4 GB hard disk for Microsoft Windows 2000 platform.
|
Testing Results
The following table provides the pass/fail result for the hardware as tested in this system by AppLabs.
| INSTALL THROUGH TEST |
| Install Linux on one or more CPUs while connected to the AMX 5010 switch. | PASS |
| Notes: All four distributions installed through
the KVM with no problems.
|
| POWER CYCLE |
| Verify the AMX 5010 switch is state-independent of its controlled CPUs. | PASS |
| Notes: Power cycling indicated no problems with any
of the Linux Distributions.
|
Switching Commands Testing
| HOT KEY SWITCHING |
| Verify switching works with Linux keyboard drivers. | PASS |
| Notes: Hot key switching worked as documented.
|
| AUTO SWITCHING |
| Verify auto switching works with Linux drivers. | PASS |
| Notes: Auto switching worked as documented via the scan mode.
|
| PS/2 or SERIAL MICE POINT, CLICK, DRAG |
| Verify the functioning of the mouse as the KVM switches between the various CPUs | PASS |
| Notes: Mouse performed well with no negative effects
when being switched between the connected CPUs.
|
Monitor Testing
| DISPLAY RESOLUTION TEST |
| Verify the stability of cycling through the various CPUs with X
operating on each and at different resolutions | PASS |
| Notes: The Linux distributions worked at various
screen resolutions.
|
| MONITOR ON/OFF TEST |
| Verify the stability of the displays on the various CPUs when the KVM monitor is turned off and on during cycling | PASS |
| Notes: The power state of the monitor did not effect the
state of the CPUs.
|
| IDLE TIME TEST |
| Verify the KVM can recover from idle periods without loss of keyboard, monitor or mouse contact. | PASS |
| Notes: The KVM was unaffected by periods of idle time and remained functional. |
Multiple OS Test
| With Microsoft Windows 2000 |
| Verify the continued functionality of the connected CPUs and KVM units when running different operating systems on one or more of the connected CPUs | PASS |
| Notes: The KVM showed no adverse effects when switched between the various OSes and remained functional.
|
Notes and
Observations:
The AMX system consists of computer interfaces, matrix switches and user stations.
Computer interfaces are called AMIQ modules and are available for PS/2, Sun and serial devices.
Matrix switches are available as two models: the AMX5000 that accommodates 32 computers and 8 users, and the AMX5010 that accommodates 64 computers and 16 users.
User interfaces are available as three models. The fully populated model AMX5120 features electronic deskewing and an additional interface for a local computer. Model AMX5110 is identical except it lacks the deskewing feature. Model AMX5100 lacks the deskewing feature and the local computer interface.
The largest matrix switch (model AMX5010) and most fully featured user interface (model AMX5120) were evaluated. The manufacturer identified them as being representative of all models.
Legal
AppLabs makes no warranty, either expressed or implied, regarding the information or lack thereof present in this document or in the documents it references.
Avocent AMX 