Maximum Availability for Critical Control Room Applications

New redundancy feature ensures system reliability in KVM-over-IP environments

Control room applications in highly sensitive, mission-critical areas require maximum reliability of all technical components. A key aspect is the implementation of security concepts to maximize availability and cyber security. Here, KVM systems play an important role, as they enable technical computer components to be outsourced to other locations. This, in turn, enables reliable and extremely secure infrastructures and allows user-friendly systems to be set up that are intuitive to operate and can be easily scaled according to requirements. 

High-performance and secure IT installations

KVM over IP provides an optimal basis for the flexible, distributed switching of computer signals. For full access to all required systems, users connect to the outsourced computers via the network, while working in real time and enjoying full system performance. IP-based KVM offers very high application flexibility, but also gives rise to increased security risks. This makes the security of IP-based systems and network structures crucial. To address this issue, the German KVM manufacturer Guntermann & Drunck GmbH (G&D) has developed various security mechanisms. All communication and data transmission takes place in encrypted form, guaranteeing a high level of security in critical environments.

Security of overall installations

In addition to access security, system availability is also of great importance in mission-critical environments. G&D already offers a wide range of solutions for implementing redundancies. To secure its customers a further advantage in terms of security, the KVM expert has now developed a new, additional feature for securing an overall installation in KVM-over-IP environments: the DirectRedundancyShield.

As part of the implementation, a redundant matrix system is set up next to the matrix central module. In the event of a malfunction, the DirectRedundancyShield ensures uninterrupted operation and the user will not have to wait for a connection to the backup system to be established, which can take several minutes due to the key exchange. This is achieved by permanently establishing encrypted connections between the KVM over IP end devices and both central modules.

Continuous access through seamless switching

The DirectRedundancyShield ensures that the redundant system takes over immediately if the first system should break down or not be accessible. In this case, merely a brief pop-up message displayed on the side of the screen will inform the user that the redundant system has been switched to. The user will not experience any interruptions or delays in image transmission when the system switches to the redundant central module. This way, employees can work reliably and safely in control room environments while all processes are permanently monitored, controlled and managed.  

The feature is compatible with all G&D products that use KVM over IP for transmission and can also be subsequently activated in the matrix without the need to purchase additional hardware. The company plans to roll out the releases in June 2023.