Physical server access remains a stubborn challenge in even the most advanced home labs and small infrastructure setups. The GL.iNet Comet KVM directly addresses this friction point by eliminating the need for dedicated keyboards, mice, and monitors cluttering your rack space. For $90, this compact device provides full remote control over connected systems via standard Ethernet, transforming awkward physical access into streamlined digital management.

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The all-too-familiar struggle: A monitor precariously balanced on server hardware with no space for peripherals. (Credit: David Gewirtz/ZDNET)

How It Works: Ethernet Over Peripherals
The Comet connects via HDMI and USB to your target device (like an NVR or server), then plugs into your local network switch. Users access the connected system through either a dedicated app or—more powerfully—a comprehensive web interface at glkvm.local. This approach is particularly valuable for devices requiring local configuration for security purposes, such as network video recorders where certain settings can't be altered remotely via standard apps.

Practical Performance & Technical Details
Testing revealed impressive responsiveness once settings were optimized:

"When I turned [Show Local Cursor] off and set Mouse Mode to relative, the mouse tracking on the NVR was perfectly smooth. Video on the LAN is also very crisp, clear, and responsive."
— David Gewirtz, ZDNET

The web interface includes a toolbox for advanced functions: clipboard pasting, key combination macros, Wake-on-LAN activation, and even a terminal session directly into the Comet itself. Under the hood, it runs a lightweight Linux stack (Buildroot with a 4.19.111 ARMv7 kernel and BusyBox), making it both efficient and transparent for technical users.

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The Comet's web interface provides mouse control, video streaming, and a toolbox for advanced functions. (Credit: David Gewirtz/ZDNET)

Value Proposition for Technical Users
While $90 per device adds up when managing multiple systems, the Comet solves specific pain points effectively:
1. Space Efficiency: Eliminates physical peripherals in cramped racks.
2. Travel & Remote Access: Compact size enables on-the-go troubleshooting.
3. Deep Control: BIOS/UEFI access possible (per reviews), crucial for sysadmins.
4. Security Compliance: Meets requirements for 'physical access' configurations.

The Bottom Line for Infrastructure Pros
The GL.iNet Comet KVM isn't revolutionary technology repackaged, but its execution makes remote hardware interaction genuinely practical. For developers managing home labs, IT professionals handling distributed NVRs, or sysadmins needing occasional bare-metal access, it transforms a persistent logistical headache into a few clicks in a browser tab. The investment pays dividends in reclaimed workspace and reduced frustration—proving that sometimes the most impactful tools solve the simplest, most overlooked problems.

Source: ZDNET