Infrastructure Management &
Monitoring for Business-Critical
ContinuityTM
HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
Table of Contents
3
4
5
6
7
8
Executive Summary
Back-Racking of Desktop Computers
Office and Lab Access to Computers
Computer Usage in Signs and Kiosks
Computer Usage in Education
Computer Usage in Call Centers
Executive Summary
Desktop over IP solutions are designed for desktop administrators who need to physically separate the
computer from the user in the work environment. Physical separation of computer and user can provide
solutions where security and/or environmental issues are major concerns. The Avocent HMX desktop over
IP system solution provides the ideal solution for these environments. The HMX extender system can be
easily deployed over a Local Area Network, and supports comprehensive range of peripherals including
DVI-I video, CD audio, USB mass storage, keyboard and mouse and other USB devices. The HMX Manager
provides administration and connection management control from a central location, enabling the desktop administrator to effectively and efficiently manage the desktop computing resource without compromising the user experience.
2 HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
BACK-RACKING OF DESKTOP COMPUTERS
IMPORTANT POINTS
The Market
In large organizations the administrators of desktop computers and
software are tasked with harnessing the processing power of their
computers and providing that power to many different levels of
users while maintaining higher levels of hardware and software
security and reliability.
The goals of the administrator (simplified provisioning, security and
reliability) and the needs of the user (high-quality experience, rich
peripheral set and varied processing needs based on individual
roles) can often lead to conflict and problems that cannot be solved
by the current model of a computer on each users desk.
In many organizations there is also a drive toward improving the
security of computer data as a result of legislation like Sarbanes
Oxley, HIPAA and newer EU regulations. These requirements are
forcing the desktop administrators to question the validity of an
individual PC on each user’s desk and look for alternative solutions
where the data is not resident on the desktop device.
The Application
The concept of back-racking is applicable across many different
industries all of which has a strong need to separate the
computer and the user. This may be driven by security concerns,
environmental issues or the need to more efficiently manage the
computer resources.
Each application shares some common attributes:
• The desktop user needs to have a real-time, high-quality
computer experience to do their job
• The computers cannot be placed locally on the user desks
• The computers can be moved to a secure back-room location
• The administrators want to use their standard TCP/IP
infrastructure to connect the desk users with their remote
computers
•Improved Reliability and Service
In the event of a fault on their computer, users can be
“re-mapped” to an alternate, so reducing their downtime
and improving the service provided by the desktop
administrator.
• Improved Security
The computers are situated remotely from the user, so the
computer hardware and the data stored on them is more
secure.
• Improved Virus Control
The computers are now situated remotely from the user,
so the introduction of virus infected files is more difficult
and using appropriate software policies can be eliminated
completely.
• Standard Infrastructure
The solution uses all the existing desktop skills in the IT
group and does not need new infrastructure as is the case
with Thin Client.
• Improved Access to Best Computing Power
Users with the highest computing needs can be reallocated to the latest machines thereby ensuring that they gain
from the newest hardware performance in high powered
applications.
• Virtualization Benefits with Existing Hardware
All the benefits of virtualization can be realized using the
same computer hardware and network infrastructure
as already in place. This solution needs no additional
hardware and could even be rolled out progressively in
an organization, because the same computers are in use
all the time.
Data Center
Data Center
Figure 1
3 HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
BACK-RACKING OF DESKTOP COMPUTERS
IMPORTANT POINTS
Product Configuration
Direct UTP Connection
Direct Cable Extension
Figure 2 shows a typical back-racking application where each user is
allocated access to a dedicated computer and is facilitated using a
dedicated UTP cable or through a patch panel. This configuration is
ideally suited to smaller installations where users will always use the
same computer and manual re-patching is sufficient to provide backup if a computer fails.
User gets rich media desktop experience using either
dedicated UTP cable or through a network patch panel.
• Rich Media Experience
User desktop experience includes DVI video, CD audio
and full USB support.
• Manual Backup
If a computer fails, the user can be repatched to a
back-up by the network administrator.
• Components
1 transmitter per computer
1 receiver per user desk
1 patch panel if required
x UTP cables
Standard Infrastructure
Patch Panel
Direct
UTP
The connection between all users and their computers
is made via the standard TCP/IP network.
• Rich Media Experience
User desktop experience includes DVI video, CD audio
and full USB support.
• Managed Access
Users can access their computers from any desk
area by simply logging in to the system with their
network credentials.
Figure 2
Managed Network Extension
Figure 3 shows a managed back-racking application where each user
is allocated access to a computer and can gain access to that computer
from any user desk based on log-in credentials. All connections are
provided by the standard IP network and users can be re-routed to a
back-up computer by an administrator using the extension
management appliance.
• Managed Backup
If a computer fails, the user can be redirected to a
back-up computer by the administrator using a Web
interface to the management appliance.
• Components
1 transmitter per computer
1 receiver per user desk
1 management appliance
1 network port per computer
1 network port per user
x UTP cables
Avocent Connection
Management Appliance
Figure 3
4 HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
OFFICE AND LAB ACCESS TO COMPUTERS
IMPORTANT POINTS
The Market
In many organizations a large part of the revenues of the organization
depend on the output of a small number of highly paid experts who
generate the intellectual property of the company.
These people operate between offices and labs of different kinds and
use computers to help automate a lot of their jobs, thereby freeing
their time to focus more on generating revenues.
This raises a requirement for the users to be able to access their
computers from many different locations and to have those computer
desktops follow them throughout their daily routine without
losing continuity of their applications and without the need for
laptop computers.
These users exist in many industries and have varying roles including
lab technicians, software and hardware developers, quality control
and hospital staff.
• Local Computer Access
In this application, all the office users need to have
access to their computers locally at their office desks.
• Remote Computer Access
The users also need to have access to the full computer
experience from many different locations across their
lab work environments.
• Rich User Experience
The users need to be able to use all of their computer
peripherals at any location. This includes scanners,
speakers and PDA docks.
• Standard Infrastructure
The solution uses all the existing desktop skills in the
IT group and does not need new infrastructure as is
the case with Thin Client.
The Application
In this application, the users generally perform their roles from an
office and use high end or specialized computers to do so. However,
the users also have a requirement to access the same computers from
other locations where they also perform duties. These could include
development or analysis labs, production areas or patient wards.
Figure 4 shows a typical application where users operate from offices
and have direct access to the same office computer from many locations without accepting any compromise in the computer experience.
Computers on
User Desks
TCP/IP
Computer Access from Labs
Figure 4
5 HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
OFFICE AND LAB ACCESS TO COMPUTERS
IMPORTANT POINTS
Product Configuration
Figure 5 shows an application where users have access to the
computer that is located at their desk and can also access that
computer from any of the lab terminals and have identical access
to the same computer.
In this application, the users will be able to log in to the system from
any user location, using their standard network credentials, and have
their desktop computer routed to that location.
• Standard Infrastructure
The connection between all users and their
computers is made via the standard TCP/IP network.
• Full User Experience from Any Desk
User desktop experience includes DVI video,
CD audio and full USB support and can be
presented to the user from any desk terminal
in any office or any lab.
• Managed Access
Users can access their computers from any desk
area by simply logging in to the system with their
network credentials. This allows users to switch desks
while retaining access to their dedicated computer.
• Managed Backup
If a computer fails, the user can be redirected to
a back-up computer by the administrator using
a Web interface to the management appliance.
Lab 1
Access
Terminals
User Office 1
Lab 2
Access
Terminals
User Office 2
User Office 3
• Components
1 Transmitter per computer
1 Receiver per user desk
1 Management appliance
1 Network port per computer
1 Network port per user location
x UTP cables
User Office 4
Figure 5
6 HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
COMPUTER USAGE IN SIGNS AND KIOSKS
IMPORTANT POINTS
The Market
More and more applications are taking advantage of the lowering cost
of electronic signage and presentations. This is driving a proliferation
of plasma or LCD signs and information kiosks in public places.
These signs or kiosks have become part of the business of many
organizations through the promotion of products or services, and in
some cases, the kiosk has become the customer facing side of the
organization (e.g., airline check-in kiosks).
These signs and kiosks all receive their information from a computer
that generates local data or is receiving its data from a centralized
source across a corporate network. Yet the signs and kiosks are often
located in places where the local environment is not suitable for a local
computer because of concerns over space, ventilation, maintenance
and security.
• Rich Signage Content
The remote sign will be able to show full motion
video up to 1280 x 1024 at 60 frames per second.
All images can be accompanied by CD quality
stereo audio.
• Remote Computer Location
All of the display source computers can be located
in a remote location thereby increasing security
and reducing maintenance costs.
• Standard Infrastructure
The solution uses all the existing networking skills
in the IT group and does not need new infrastructure
as it uses all standard IP cabling and switching.
The Application
In this application, the signs and kiosks are located in public
areas where information is presented or users interact with
remote computers.
The computers are generally located in a separate location and
the IP network is the only connection between each location.
Figure 6 shows a typical application where users interact with the
displays or kiosks and information is provided to them from remote
computers. These computers can all be located in a remote data
center or closet.
Corporate IP
Network or
Public Internet
Direct
Connection
IP Network for
Signage and
Kiosks
TCP/IP
Figure 6
7 HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
COMPUTER USAGE IN SIGNS AND KIOSKS
IMPORTANT POINTS
Product Configuration
Figure 7 shows an application where signage and kiosk access is
provided through a combination of dedicated UTP wiring and IP
network distribution. This would facilitate those signs that are remote
and only have a network connection and those displays that are close
to their computer and already have a dedicated UTP cable per sign.
In this application, the administrator can set the signs/kiosks to
always show the video of the same computer or to show video
from different computers based on manual override from the
management appliance.
• Standard Infrastructure
The connection between all users and their
computers is made via the standard TCP/IP network.
• Full media Experience
The user experience includes full DVI video,
CD audio and full USB giving a rich experience
that is identical to a local computer experience.
• Managed Access
The administrator can manage which kiosk or
sign is connected to which source computer
from the management appliance.
• Managed Backup
If a source computer fails, the sign or kiosk can
be re-directed to a back-up computer by the
administrator using a Web interface to the
management appliance.
Avocent Connection
Management Appliance
Source
PC 1
Source
PC 2
• Components
1 transmitter per source computer
1 receiver per sign or kiosk
1 management appliance
1 network port per computer
1 network port per sign or kisok
x UTP cables
Source Source Source Source Source
PC 3 PC 4 PC 5 PC 6 PC 7
Figure 7
IMPORTANT POINTS
COMPUTER USAGE IN EDUCATION
The Market
In many organizations, product or skill training is delivered using
computers in the classroom with guidance from an instructor, and the
students use the computers for detailed understanding of topics.
• Rich Computer Experience
The classroom user will be able to see full motion
video up to 1280 x 1024 at 60 frames per second.
All images can be accompanied by CD quality stereo
audio and full USB keyboard and mouse.
In these classrooms, it may not be possible for the computers to
be placed near students, and sometimes it is desirable to have the
computers located in a central location for easy maintenance
and support.
• Remote Computer Location
All of the student computers can be located in
a remote location thereby increasing security
and reducing maintenance costs.
• Standard Infrastructure
The solution uses all the existing networking skills
in the IT group and does not need new infrastructure
as it uses all standard IP cabling and switching.
8 HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
The Application
IMPORTANT POINTS
Figure 8 shows a typical classroom application. In this environment,
the students all need access to their computers and the instructor
needs to be able to access all the student computers to show at his
desk or on the overhead projector. It is also important to remove the
computers from the classroom to improve security and improve the
environment in the classroom where noise and can be a problem.
Computer
Room
• Standard Infrastructure
The connection between all users and their
computers is made via the standard TCP/IP network.
• Full media Experience
The user experience includes full DVI video,
CD audio and full USB, giving a rich experience
that is identical to a local computer experience.
• Managed Access
The administrator can manage which student
desk is connected to which source computer
from the management appliance.
• Managed Backup
If a source computer fails, the desk can be
re-directed to a back-up computer by the
administrator using a Web interface to the
management appliance.
TCP/IP
Classroom 1
Help Desk/IT
Classroom 2
• Components
1 transmitter per classroom computer
1 receiver per student desk
1 management appliance
1 network port per computer
1 network port per desk
x UTP cables
Figure 8
Classroom 1
Access Terminals
COMPUTER USAGE IN EDUCATION
Classroom 2
Access Terminals
Product Configuration
The configuration drawing in Figure 9 shows how the desktop
over IP solution can be used for classroom applications. In this
configuration, the students all have access to their computers,
including sound and USB keyboard and mouse if required.
Avocent Connection
Management Appliance
None of the students can access each other’s computers but the
instructor can access any of the students computers and show those
on the instructor’s desktop or the overhead projector. Support is
provided by a remote Help Desk or IT function that also has access
to all of the computers, including students and instructor.
In this application, the administrator can set the signs/kiosks to
always show the video of the same computer or to show video
from different computers based on manual override from the
management appliance.
Computer Room
9 HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
Figure 9
IT/Support
HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
COMPUTER USAGE IN CALL CENTERS
IMPORTANT POINTS
The Market
In the call center environment, the computer users all have access
to a single computer console with identical applications running on
each computer.
These users tend to have access to pooled desks and pooled computers and may be moving from desk to desk on a daily or weekly basis
but require their computer experience to follow them in these moves.
The Application
Figure 10 shows a typical call center application. In this environment,
the call center operators all need access to a standard computer
desktop no matter which location they have been allocated for their
workday. These work locations may change based on team and work
assignments. It is also important to remove the computers from the
call center to improve security and improve the environment where
noise and heat can be a problem.
• Rich Computer Experience
The classroom user will be able to see full motion
video up to 1280 x 1024 at 60 frames per second.
All images can be accompanied by CD quality stereo
audio and full USB keyboard and mouse.
• Remote Computer Location
All of the student computers can be located in
a remote location thereby increasing security
and reducing maintenance costs.
• Standard Infrastructure
The solution uses all the existing networking skills
in the IT group and does not need new infrastructure
as it uses all standard IP cabling and switching.
Data Center
Figure 10
10 HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
COMPUTER USAGE IN CALL CENTERS
IMPORTANT POINTS
Product Configuration
The configuration drawing in Figure 11 shows how the desktop
over IP solution can be used for call center applications. In this
configuration, the operators all have access to their computers
from any desk location.
None of the operators can access each other’s computers, but the
supervisor can access any of the operator’s computers.
Support is provided by a remote Help Desk or IT function that also
has access to all of the computers including students and instructor.
Call Center Team 1
Access Terminals
Call Center Team 2
Access Terminals
Figure 11
• Full media Experience
The user experience includes full DVI video,
CD audio and full USB, giving a rich experience
that is identical to a local computer experience.
• Managed Access
The administrator can manage which student desk
is connected to which source computer from the
management appliance.
• Managed Backup
If a source computer fails, the desk can be re-directed
to a back-up computer by the administrator using a
Web interface to the management appliance.
• Components
1 transmitter per call center computer
1 receiver per operator desk
1 management appliance
1 network port per computer
1 network port per desk
x UTP cables
Avocent Connection
Management Appliance
Computer Room
• Standard Infrastructure
The connection between all users and their
computers is made via the standard TCP/IP network.
IT/Support
11 HMX Desktop Over IP Extender System
About Emerson Network Power
Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR), is the global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity™ from grid to chip
for telecommunication networks, data centers, health care and industrial facilities. Emerson Network Power provides innovative solutions
and expertise in areas including AC and DC power and precision cooling systems, embedded computing and power, integrated racks and
enclosures, power switching and controls, monitoring and connectivity. All solutions are supported globally by local Emerson Network
Power service technicians. Aperture and Avocent solutions from Emerson Network Power simplify data center infrastructure management
by maximizing computing capacity and lowering costs while enabling the data center to operate at peak performance. For more information,
visit www.Aperture.com, www.Avocent.com or www.EmersonNetworkPower.com.
Emerson Network Power.
The global leader in enabling Business-Critical ContinuityTM.
AC Power
Connectivity
Embedded Computing
Embedded Power
DC Power
Infrastructure Management & Monitoring
EmersonNetworkPower.com
Outside Plant
Power Switching & Controls
Precision Cooling
Racks & Integrated Cabinets
Services
Surge Protection
Emerson, Business-Critical Continuity and Emerson Network Power are trademarks of Emerson Electric Co. or one of its affiliated companies. ©2010 Emerson Electric Co.
0810-DTOIP-AB-EN