JetKVM is much like nanoKVM but a slightly polised version.
What is JetKVM?
JetKVM is a high-performance, open-source KVM over IP (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) solution designed for efficient remote management of computers, servers, and workstations. Whether you’re dealing with boot failures, installing a new operating system, adjusting BIOS settings, or simply taking control of a machine from afar, JetKVM provides the tools to get it done effectively.
As far as I know, these Jets are not available for retail yet, but can be bought via their kickstarter.
Link to the source code: https://github.com/jetkvm/kvm
Link to their website: https://jetkvm.com/
Link to their kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jetkvm/
Picture of a JetKVM mounted in a homelab, credits to Jeff Gerling.
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Is there a link to the code? I know I could probably search for it, but if you’re going post about the code being public you could at least include a link to it.
Ah my bad! Had originally added it but it got overwritte by the image url - whops! Added it now.
Source code: https://github.com/jetkvm/kvm
That Kickstarter link didn’t work for me, this one does.
Looks like $69 for:
JetKVM is a fast, open-source KVM over IP solution for managing any computer, server, and workstations remotely. Handle boot failures, install new OSes, adjust BIOS settings or simply control the computer without needing to be physically present.
And tech specs:
- Operating System: Linux 5.10 with Buildroo
- CPU: RockChip RV1106G3, Cortex A7 1.0GHz, H264 & H265 hardware encoder
- RAM: 256 MB DDR3L
- Storage: 16 GB EMMC
- Screen: 1.69 Inch IPS, 240 × 280, capacitive touch screen
- Ports: Ethernet RJ45 (100Mbps), USB-C (USB 2.0 480Mbps), HDMI Mini, JetKVM RJ11 extension port
wow, really neat design for this price range
Sorry if this question is easily answerable by reading and I’m just missing it. But I genuinely don’t really understand what this product does or what its use case is. Is it a usb stick that gives you kvm access to a computer from a remote location? Like call up someone in another building ‘hey plug the jet into tower X so I can remote in?’ In which case how is this better/worse/just different from a software solution like Barrier? Sorry if I’m being borderline deliberately obtuse but the website gives no info on the home page at all.
Edit: I think I understand better, digging into it more. But if anyone has an ELI5 I would greatly appreciate it.
As for food functionality it is very comparable to software remote control of a computer. There are 3 key features that stand out:
- It does not rely on the target machine being booted into the OS. This means you can access it even if it crashes or locks up.
- It can “push” the power button on the machine. This requires an accessory that plugs into the motherboard. So you can force a machine off or cold boot a system.
- You can mount a boot ISO. This is like having a bootable flash drive in the target machine so you can install an OS remotely.
Edit: Because this is essentially full access to the machine as if you where physically at it, it should be considered a security risk. Not saying that you need to be scared of it, but you should be aware of the risk and protect it from unauthorized access.
If I understand correctly, it’s kinda like an add-on IPMI, in the sense that it doesn’t rely on the target computer’s OS to be running to work.
I have a similar project called PiKVM. I can remotely turn on my computer from a full shutdown, navigate the BIOS to select an OS, and log in, after which I typically switch to a software-based Remote Desktop which is more performant. But you can’t power on a computer and navigate a BIOS with a software solution.
ELI5
Remote KVM lets you access the machine as if you’re in front of it, including pre-boot / BIOS / BSoD’s / Etc (when software isn’t / can’t run) because the device (usually) connects to the computer’s USB/VGA port.
ELI5:
It lets you remotely control a computer.
It’s different (arguably better) than remote connection software because it is a separate device that basically just forwards your keyboard & mouse inputs. This means that you can control the remote device even if it’s powered off or not able to boot properly, and you can configure the BIOS remotely too.
You could call someone on-site to connect the KVM to a server, but KVMs, while expensive by regular person standards, are pretty cheap as enterprise hardware goes. So some organizations just keep separate KVMs plugged into all critical hardware all the time.
Worth noting here that KVMs are potentially a quite high security risk.
Their website is probably light on details because “KVM” is fairly common industry parlance. If you normally work with this stuff then just hearing those 3 letters tells you most of what you need to know.
Edit: high, not Hugh
Worth noting here that KVMs are potentially a quite Hugh security risk.
You can put them behind a VPN and they should be relatively secure. I definitely wouldn’t expose it on the web directly, however.
Sure, as long as the VPN itself is secure. Strong passwords/keys, etc. A VPN itself can be a potential security risk, as if it’s compromised an attacker can tunnel traffic directly into a network straight past a firewall.
The risks can definitely be mitigated, but if someone’s asking for an ELI5 on KVMs, then it may be best to stay away until they have a better understanding of IT infrastructure altogether.
For me, they’re also useful because a lot of my jobs don’t allow remote software to be installed on laptops, so I use something like this to be able to remote in still.
Their FAQ says that they haven’t tested this with KVM switches but that it should work. PiKVM doesn’t always work well with switches, hoping this will be better. Because off-the-shelf IPKVM switches all seem rubbish, overpriced or both.
Well I know why it opened up today: H264 patents expired
What sort of open source
Would you need one of these per physical server, or can they connect to multiple ?
It’s for one , but you can use a normal kvm that supports switching with the keyboard
I don’t know if the JetKVM supports it, but PiKVM and BliKVM support adding a multi-port KVM switch to it (see: https://docs.pikvm.org/multiport/).
It’s a bit finicky depending on the device you use (some will require custom cables).
Aw neat! Thanks for sharing 😊
I wish it was possible to connect it to VGA servers to 🙁
They’re making a KVM targeted at data centers that doesn’t support VGA?
Yeah it kind of surprised me too. HDMI and USBC is good for modern servers, but we have plenty of 15-year-old servers in production and even a lot of new servers still use VGA.
Yeah VGA is still pretty much gold standard for supportability in my experience. It’s like a console port with baud rate settings, worst case scenario those two should always work.
Cant you just use a dongle?
Yes, I’ll have to buy a 10/15€ cheap Chinese adapter.
Yes they could also redesign the whole product for a few ppl who will plug it into an old PC that still uses vga or an old server that has no IPMI.
You realise how big the VGA connector is relative to the product?
Dude, relax!
Veeeery nice! I want one! (Well…maybe 2, or 3, or… 😁)
Edit: Do you know about other KVM maybe under those 69$ without screen? Personally I wouldn’t need it.
There’s the nanokvm, similar idea but cheaper. I have one and it’s okay but a bit sore, I’m hoping the jet is faster
Wow, install Tailscale or Wireguard and you’ve got a killer remote support solution.
Weird people would downvote this. I usually don’t care (still don’t, lol) but someone downvoted the idea of installing a mesh VPN on this KVM, yet it’s already been done.
Excellent, thanks for the link!
Unless it doesn’t boot.
If the machine doesn’t boot then you can use this to access the bios and boot a recovery environment of your choice remotely using pxeboot.
No mention of what their actual target hardware platform is, so must be custom. Wonder what solutions their newly opened code can run on. Doesn’t look like ESP code.
Yes, it’s the OS for their custom KVM board. Released open source so it can be inspected or altered by the users of their board
