Get a Comet 5G KVM and Never Visit the Data Center Again
GL.iNet’s Comet 5G KVM offers pro-grade remote server access with 5G RedCap failover and 4K support to save you a trip to the data center.
When it comes time to manage a server remotely, having a KVM on hand can make all the difference. From adjusting BIOS settings to installing an operating system — or handling just about anything else — it provides the same level of control you’d have sitting directly at the machine (minus anything that requires a screwdriver). It’s the kind of tool that has spared countless sysadmins an after-hours trip to the data center.
Just recently, the long-awaited GL.iNet Comet 5G KVM was finally released, giving sysadmins another choice in this area. At $300, it doesn’t come cheap — but it does come loaded with every feature you could hope for, and maybe even one or two more. The Comet 5G was designed for professional applications, for when immediate access to a system needs to be guaranteed. For this reason, it is equipped with 5G cellular connectivity as a backup for when Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections fail.
Built by GL.iNet, the Comet 5G takes the company’s earlier Comet Pro and significantly expands on it. The most notable addition is support for 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability), a newer cellular standard designed for IoT devices that balances speed, latency, and power efficiency. With a built-in Nano SIM slot and external antenna, the device can automatically switch to cellular data if primary connectivity drops, ensuring uninterrupted out-of-band access.
Under the hood, the unit is powered by a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor, paired with 1GB of DDR3L memory and 64GB of onboard eMMC storage. That storage allows administrators to keep ISO images and firmware files directly on the device for remote deployments, eliminating the need for separate infrastructure like PXE servers.
On the connectivity side, the Comet 5G includes Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and its headline cellular capability, all managed through an intelligent failover system that prioritizes wired and wireless LAN before falling back to 5G or 4G LTE. This layered approach makes it particularly appealing for edge deployments, field operations, or any scenario where network reliability is uncertain.
The device also includes the expected KVM essentials, such as HDMI input with support for up to 4K at 30 FPS, an HDMI passthrough output for local monitoring, and USB interfaces for keyboard and mouse emulation. Video is encoded using H.264 with a reported latency of just 30 to 60 milliseconds, keeping remote interaction responsive even over less-than-ideal connections.
A 3.69-inch touchscreen on the front adds a layer of local control, while the system runs a Linux 6.1-based OS accessible via a browser or dedicated apps. Users can also enable a local access point mode, allowing direct connection to the device in completely offline or air-gapped environments.
The Comet 5G is now available for purchase in the GL.iNet store.