Currently, I have SSH, VNC, and Cockpit setup on my home NAS, but I have run into situations where I lose remote access because I did something stupid to the network connection or some update broke the boot process, causing it to get stuck in the BIOS or bootloader.
I am looking for a separate device that will allow me to not only access the NAS as if I had another keyboard, mouse, and monitor present, but also let’s me power cycle in the case of extreme situations (hard freeze, etc.). Some googling has turned up the term KVM-over-IP, but I was wondering if any of you guys have any trustworthy recommendations.
OP, this is probably your cheapest option. KVMs are NOT cheap, so the $264 dollar price tag on this pre-built one is actually pretty low. If you’re handy with electronics, you can build one yourself for a little over $100. I did it with a Raspberry Pi 4, following this guide: https://github.com/pikvm/pikvm#diy-getting-started
This is the route I went as well. I have a couple MPU2016s at different sites. Like, u/aodhsishaj indicated, they’re pretty cheap on the used market; just bear in mind that you’ll need a module for each machine. I think this makes sense if you have multiple machines, but I’m not so sure mine can power cycle connected machines (as in with AHCI controls). I can, however, reboot from the command line and interact with BIOS, etc.
Another fan of pikvm, love mine. I have it plugged into a HDMI switcher so I can control four boxes from one pikvm. It does use some pins so if you wanted to control the power switches you have to do some extra work.
Worth considering if you want to get a UPS at the same time for the NAS, pikvm and any networking you have. Will all last longer with one to avoid random power cuts or surges.
If you need to access it remotely I would strongly suggest getting wireguard or some other reliable VPN setup rather than exposing the web interface to pikvm directly to the internet.
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https://pikvm.org/
Maybe?
OP, this is probably your cheapest option. KVMs are NOT cheap, so the $264 dollar price tag on this pre-built one is actually pretty low. If you’re handy with electronics, you can build one yourself for a little over $100. I did it with a Raspberry Pi 4, following this guide: https://github.com/pikvm/pikvm#diy-getting-started
Thanks! Seems like a lot of people here are recommending pikvm as well. I’ll look into it
Netconsole in u-boot saved me numerous times. Depending on your bootloader of course.
https://github.com/tiny-pilot/tinypilot
Cool! I’ve never heard of this project but it looks interesting
What’s your budget and is the NAS the only device you need to have KVM for?
Anything below $500 is good. I just need something that’s versatile and also trustworthy.
Search eBay for AVOCENT 16 Port Digital KVM Over IP Switch DSR2020
New Avocent DSRIQ-USB for DSR1020 DSR2020 DSR8020 DSR1021 DSR2161 DSR4161
This is the route I went as well. I have a couple MPU2016s at different sites. Like, u/aodhsishaj indicated, they’re pretty cheap on the used market; just bear in mind that you’ll need a module for each machine. I think this makes sense if you have multiple machines, but I’m not so sure mine can power cycle connected machines (as in with AHCI controls). I can, however, reboot from the command line and interact with BIOS, etc.
Check out pikvm: https://pikvm.org/
There are cheaper knockoffs that run the same software. For example: https://geekworm.com/
Thanks!
Another fan of pikvm, love mine. I have it plugged into a HDMI switcher so I can control four boxes from one pikvm. It does use some pins so if you wanted to control the power switches you have to do some extra work.
Worth considering if you want to get a UPS at the same time for the NAS, pikvm and any networking you have. Will all last longer with one to avoid random power cuts or surges.
If you need to access it remotely I would strongly suggest getting wireguard or some other reliable VPN setup rather than exposing the web interface to pikvm directly to the internet.