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For IT professionals and home lab enthusiasts, physical access to servers or network video recorders (NVRs) often means a jungle of monitors, keyboards, and mice crammed into tight spaces. David Gewirtz, Senior Contributing Editor at ZDNET, recently faced this headache with his home security NVR—a device requiring direct input for critical configurations, yet perched precariously atop a Mac mini with no room for peripherals. His solution? The GL.iNet Comet KVM, a compact device that replaces local hardware with remote access over Ethernet.

How It Works: Simplicity Meets Power

The Comet KVM connects via HDMI and USB to target devices like servers or NVRs, then interfaces with your network through an Ethernet port. Once online, users access it via a web interface at glkvm.local, eliminating the need for dedicated software. Gewirtz tested it with a security NVR, noting:

"Mouse tracking on the NVR was perfectly smooth... Video on the LAN is very crisp, clear, and responsive."

Key features include:
- Relative Mouse Mode: Ensures precise cursor control without lag.
- Toolbox Utilities: Supports key combinations (e.g., Ctrl+Alt+Del), clipboard pasting, and terminal access.
- Wake-on-LAN: Powers on remote systems from the interface.

Under the hood, the device runs a lightweight Linux stack using Buildroot and BusyBox on an ARMv7 kernel (v4.19.111). This allows terminal access for advanced users—a boon for troubleshooting or customization.

# Example terminal command to check system info
uname -a
# Output: Linux GL-KVM 4.19.111 #1 SMP Thu Jun 15 00:32:08 UTC 2023 armv7l GNU/Linux

Why This Matters: Beyond Convenience

For developers and sysadmins, the Comet solves tangible pain points:
- Space Efficiency: Reduces physical clutter in racks or labs.
- Security Compliance: Enables secure configuration of devices like NVRs that mandate local access for critical settings.
- Cost vs. Value: While priced at $90 (currently $80 on Amazon), it offsets the expense of multiple peripherals and streamlines workflows.

The device shines in scenarios like BIOS-level debugging or headless server management—though Gewirtz emphasizes its versatility for everyday use, like his NVR setup.

The Verdict: A Niche Tool with Broad Appeal

The GL.iNet Comet KVM isn’t just another gadget; it’s a strategic upgrade for anyone managing hardware in constrained spaces. Its responsive web interface and Linux backbone cater to tinkerers and professionals alike, turning cable chaos into a streamlined operation. As Gewirtz concludes, this device exemplifies how targeted tech can transform persistent annoyances into moments of genuine efficiency—proving that sometimes, the best solutions are those that quietly eliminate friction.

Source: How I mastered remote KVM control with this $80 gadget by David Gewirtz, ZDNET.