{"product_id":"tripp-lite-16-port-cat5-ip-kvm-switch-19-rackmount-console-for-256","title":"Tripp Lite 16-Port Cat5 IP KVM Switch 19 - Rackmount Console for 256","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review finds the Tripp Lite 16-Port Cat5 IP KVM Switch 19 is a practical rackmount console for IT teams that need reliable, central server access. In this review the biggest reason to choose it is its ability to scale via cascading so a single 19' console can control up to 256 machines while using manageable Cat5\/Cat6 patch cabling. For equipment rooms where space, cable organization and cross-platform support matter, this KVM delivers core functionality without unnecessary extras.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e16-Port Console:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides direct local control of up to 16 attached servers from a single 19' rack console, simplifying daily administration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCascade Expandability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be cascaded with Tripp Lite stand-alone NetCommander switches to reach up to 256 computers from one console for larger installations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCat5\/Cat6 Cabling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Uses Cat5\/Cat6 patch cables with optional server interface units to keep KVM cabling minimal and easier to manage across the rack.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100 ft Server Distance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports server placement up to 100 ft away from the switch, giving flexibility in equipment room layout and cable runs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWide Platform Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works with a broad range of operating systems including legacy and modern platforms such as Windows, Linux, Unix and SUN (USB), reducing compatibility concerns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOn-Screen and Hot-Key Switching:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers both On Screen Display menu and Hot-Key switching methods for quick access to attached servers in different workflows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tripp Lite 16-Port Cat5 IP KVM Switch 19 is best suited for small to medium server rooms and IT shops that need a compact rackmount console and the option to scale by cascading. It appeals to administrators who value tidy Cat5\/Cat6 cabling and the ability to reach servers placed up to 100 ft away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less appropriate for users who require integrated IP over Ethernet remote access features or modern cloud-based management interfaces, since this unit is focused on local console control and cascading with compatible NetCommander hardware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCompact 19' rackmount design that consolidates console access in dense rack environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eExpandable to control up to 256 machines via cascading, ideal for growing deployments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMinimizes cabling complexity by using Cat5\/Cat6 patch cables and optional server interface units.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBroad operating system compatibility reduces integration headaches with mixed environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFocuses on local console control rather than built-in remote IP management, which may require additional hardware for off-site access.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRackmount console KVM switch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePorts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 local ports\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCascading\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported (up to 256 computers)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCabling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCat5\/Cat6 patch cables with server interface units\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax Server Distance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 100 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlatform Support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMAC, DOS, Windows, Linux, Unix, SUN (USB), BSD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel \/ MPN\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTRI-B070-016-19\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tripp Lite 16-Port Cat5 IP KVM Switch 19 is a solid value for administrators who need a dependable, expandable rackmount console and tidy cabling using Cat5\/Cat6. It is especially useful when local console access, broad OS compatibility and cascading are priorities; however, buyers needing built-in remote IP management should plan to add compatible modules or choose a different model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this KVM be expanded to manage more servers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The unit supports cascading with compatible NetCommander switches to reach up to 256 connected computers from one console.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow far can servers be located from the switch?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eServers can be placed up to 100 ft away using Cat5\/Cat6 cables and the appropriate server interface units.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich operating systems are supported?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe switch supports a wide range including MAC, DOS, Windows variants, Linux, Unix, SUN (USB), and BSD for broad compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tripp Lite","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48237244055771,"sku":"B00P81HNIS","price":1775.83,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/41D9ZuqQVNL._AC.jpg?v=1770824664","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/tripp-lite-16-port-cat5-ip-kvm-switch-19-rackmount-console-for-256","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}