Hi there, looking for a KVM for my home server to fix it remotely when having an important issue
because wel… My home server isn’t at MY home but at my mother’s home
I was looking at nanoKVM-USB which I would plug to a raspberry pi, enabling and disabling the remote app according to my need to avoid unnecessary security issues, maybe even unplug it and ask my mother to plug it when needed, what do you think of such a solution ?
Thanks !
So I’ve bought the nanokvm-usb. Why:
- I needed it quickly and was available
- the idea of going through another server for secutiry seemed better: I control the updates and security fixes
- well tested on the internet
the product itself costed around 50€ and I found a used mini pc with wireless connection for 25€
it was easy to install, works fine and is of good quality
Check out JetKVM. The software and hardware is well thought out and works great. I use it for my homelab (mostly internally, so I can’t say too much about external access).
Note that this apparently does work with a 4 port local KVM as well. Technotim, a homelab youtuber, tested them working together smoothly.
So buddy up the above with a jetkvm and you can control 4 systems at once.
Here’s a video comparison of 4 common options. He tests uploading an ISO, booting said ISO, looks at out of the box security and how the developers have handled issues.
Remote Access using IP KVMs! Full Comparison JetKVM vs NanoKVM vs Comet vs PiKVM
I personally use the Comet and have had a great luck with it.
I use https://pikvm.org/
It’s a raspberry pi with a hat. Plugs into USB and HDMI to mimic a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, and you can wire it to the power button as well.
I keep mine behind a VPN for security but there are other options.
I use NanoKVM and I’m quite happy with that. Also connected to the internal header so it can power on/off and edit BIOS.
As for security, I don’t allow its IP to open up any outgoing connections.
It might have intel amt or vpro already, which is out of band management.
You can use a smart plug to remotely control power to the Raspberry Pi.
If you enable Wake-on-LAN in the server BIOS, the Raspberry Pi can use Etherwake to power up the server when needed.
To connect to the Pi, I would suggest using a Pi4 or Pi5 and remote into it via Raspberry Pi Connect. That will give you secure remote access to the Pi.
Tailscale and ssh.
What do you do when the device isn’t on the network for some reason (e.g. stuck during boot)?
Go and see mom and have a nice home cooked meal.
Responding as I also would be interested and don’t want to lose this thread.
Though in my use case being able to power cycle is also important, although maybe could be done via controlling UPS
Mouse without borders? It’s Mickeysoft and somewhat flaky but it does the job. I use it for 2 local puters. Uses IP addresses. Maybe some swearing at your router to config it to work might do the job.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/download/details.aspx?id=35460
ssh
though more seriously you haven’t specified what platform the home server is. if you absolutely need a gui, probably VNC over ssh.
