Using a KVM-over-IP Device
This method of connecting to a system under test (SUT) from Eggplant Functional (EPF) is intended as an alternative to the VNC method described here.
Requirements
This testing method requires a SUT, a KVM-over-IP device, a network, and Eggplant Functional, as shown below.
Physical KVM-over-IP setup
Why Use a KVM-over-IP Device?
In some testing environments, you might be unable to install a VNC server on your SUT for any of the following reasons:
- You prefer to use a completely non-invasive approach when automating the SUT.
- You have security or test requirements prohibiting the installation of a VNC server on the SUT.
- There is no available VNC server for the SUT's platform, such as with some point-of-sale systems (i.e., IBM 4690) or other systems with specialized operating systems (Solaris, NetWare, Chrome OS, etc.).
In such situations, a KVM-over-IP device allows you to automate your SUT using Eggplant Functional by providing a hardware-based VNC server solution. Many of our customers in the retail and defense sectors use KVM devices to enable automation of their SUTs with Eggplant Functional, but customers from any sector can benefit from the use of a KVM-over-IP device.
Selecting a Device
We highly recommend the use of digital KVM-over-IP devices with Eggplant Functional. Digital KVM devices have DVI or HDMI display inputs, and in most cases, also have USB keyboard and mouse ports. Digital KVM devices natively support SUTs that have digital display and USB mouse and keyboard interfaces. If your SUT only has PS/2 inputs for mouse and keyboard control, please contact your Eggplant technical resource before proceeding with KVM use.
Depending on which KVM-over-IP device you have and which cables it comes with, you might need to purchase additional display adapters, such as an HDMI-to-DVI adapter.
The ADDERLink INFINITY Dual 2112 T is the recommended digital KVM-over-IP device for use with Eggplant Functional. It includes a USB port only (no PS/2) for mouse and keyboard control. The technical specifications of this KVM are discussed on the linked product page.
The ADDERLink Digital IPEPS is a simpler model that many of our customers have had success with, as well.
How it Works
A KVM-over-IP device has a VNC server running on it and an Ethernet port so that remote machines can connect to this VNC server. The device is also physically connected to the keyboard, video, and mouse ports of the SUT using standard cables. The KVM-over-IP device essentially converts the VNC protocol into standard keyboard and mouse signals going into the SUT, and converts video signals coming out of the SUT into the VNC protocol. To a connecting VNC client, such as Eggplant Functional, this KVM-over-IP setup is indistinguishable from a VNC server running directly on the SUT.
KVM-over-IP devices are available in single- or dual-channel models. Single-channel models allow only remote control of the system (i.e., via the VNC server), while dual-channel models allow you to also have a keyboard, video (monitor), and mouse connected directly to the KVM to manually use the SUT. Dual-channel models typically allow you to use the physical console and the VNC server at the same time.