Graphics, Video & TV Cards

KVM Switch Technology

1. What is a KVM Switch?

KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch is a device that allows someone to use more than 1 computer from only 1 keyboard, monitor and mouse. Anyone can literally manage all of the computers in their office/server room from their desk without getting up. The limits to what you can do with KVM Switches are few. You can manage anywhere from 2 computers to thousands of servers using a KVM Switch. The KVM switch is an indispensable solution for IT companies, Data Centers, and even home userswho have multiple computers, but don't have space, time, or money to invest in a dedicated keyboard, monitor, and mouse for each one.

2. What do I need to operate a KVM Switch?

Different KVM Switches require different things. In most cases, all you will need is the KVM Switch, enough cables to go to all of your computers, your Keyboard, Monitor and Mouse, and the computers themselves. That is the basic configuration and more advanced systems may require more components.

3. Will I have to install any software on my computers?

No. KVM Switches are a hardware-only solution to server management. They are designed to not intrude on server performance thus are plug and play.

4. Why are some KVM Switches so much cheaper than other ones?

As in all products, some have more options. Some switches offer USB sharing, On Screen Display (OSD), audio support, port emulation, multi-platform capability, built in conversion, come with cables, and have power supplies. Whether or not you will need or want these features is up to you.

5. What is OSD?

OSD Stands for On Screen Display. This is a graphical representation of which computers are connected to the KVM Switch and allows you to select them without pushing the button on the KVM Switch or using Hot Key Switching. If you have a multiuser switch, this can also show you who is accessing which computer.

6. What is Hot Key Switching?

Hot key switching allows you to switch between computers without pushing the buttons on the actual switch. It can be a combination of keys or hitting a button a couple of times, each switch is different and the instructions are in the manual.

7. Why are some of the cables so expensive?

KVM cables are heavier than most computer cables; they are shielded and allow for better transmission of the signal. Some manufacturers also decide to use proprietary cabling for their switches. This allows them to eliminate 1 source of error when troubleshooting. Since all switches are different it is hard to know how a generic KVM cable will work with every switch. When a KVM Switch has a lot of ports it can also use cables with special connectors to eliminate a cabling nightmare on the KVM Switch.

8. What is a KVM Extender?

A KVM Extender allows you to send the Keyboard, Monitor, and Mouse signal over a long distance using Cat5 or Fiber. This can be for a single computer or can be connected to a KVM Switch to control multiple computers. The cable can not be running over a network or through a hub, it must be connected directly from the computer or KVM to your Keyboard, Monitor, and Mouse.

9. What is a Video Splitter?

A video splitter allows you to split a VGA signal and display it on multiple monitors. Within this category there are some options as well. You can send these signals over Cat5 or standard VGA Cables. You also have the option of sending audio for multimedia applications.

10. What is Remote Reboot?

Remote Reboot allows to you reboot your servers from anywhere in the world using the internet. You can do this using a simple web browser.

11. What is a USB KVM Switch and why are they different?

A USB KVM Switch is a KVM Switch that uses USB Peripherals instead of the standard PS/2 keyboard and mouse. USB KVM Switches also allow you to share USB Peripherals such as scanners, printers, etc. among the connected computers. Since they are USB they are 100% plug and play and you don't have to power down the computer to plug in the cables.

12. What is KVM Over IP?

KVM Over IP Technology allows you to access your servers from anywhere in the world using the internet. There are a couple manufacturers that support this type of technology and each has their benefit.

Local control: A KVM over IP solution reduces the number of rack consoles and allows multiple support personnel to work simultaneously on the same server via their workstations. This leads to reduced hardware costs and increased management efficiencies, and also increases physical security by providing complete server and device access from outside the data center. For example 78 percent of IT administrators are required to enter the server room daily in order to load a CD or update software applications.

Branch control: KVM over IP enables administrators to remotely troubleshoot and repair branch servers and devices without the need to have technical staff at each location. This reduces the high cost of service calls, and speeds up responses to problems. When changes need to be made at a branch location, they can be done securely and remotely. KVM over IP technology has provided immediate improvements in branch infrastructure management in many sectors including retail, banking and government.

Enterprise control: By using KVM over IP, administrators can have secure centralized control over multi-location data centers. This improves efficiencies, lowers costs, and enables faster troubleshooting and reduced downtime. Avocent DSView® 3 management software provides centralized management of the entire IT infrastructure. DSView® 3 software also increases security by keeping users out of the data center, and ensures comprehensive authentication and logging for device access. You can even load software and diagnostic information onto a remote device, with or without a working operating system.

13. What is port emulation?

Port emulation is important with KVM Switches. Port emulation makes sure that the computer still thinks the mouse is connected directly to the computer. Many people know that if you unplug the mouse while the computer is running, the mouse stops to work. If you have a KVM Switch without emulation the computer may think the mouse is unplugged.

14. Why do some computers use different cables?

Different computers have different cabling connections. Due to this, the can not use the same cable. The standard cable connection for computers is a PS/2 Mouse, PS/2 Keyboard, and a HD15 VGA Monitor. SUN computers can have a Mini-Din 8 Connection that works for their mouse and Keyboard or a USB plug for both as well. They can also use HD15 VGA or also a 13W3 video connection. Mac has specific cables as well. As you can see, it is important to make sure you get the right cables to ensure proper operation of your KVM Switch.

15. Will my wireless peripherals work with KVM Switches?

Unfortunately wireless peripherals do not work with KVM Switches right now. Manufacturers have not been able to map the key sequences since there is not a standard placed on wireless peripherals.

16. Can I use a 5 button mouse on a KVM Switch?

KVM Manufacturers will only support up to a 3 button mouse. Difference peripheral manufacturers do things differently and therefore they have not created a standard to work with.

17. What is CAT5 KVM?

CAT5 KVM Switches products is best solutions for minimizing cable clutter, easy cabling to all your servers and increase air flow in and out of your Server rack cabinet . CAT5 KVM switch is perfect replacement of the old traditional thick and bulky three in one KVM Cables with flexible, thin and economy CAT5/CAT6 Cables. And CAT5 Cables can carry signal without loss in several hundreds feet verses 3-in-1 KVM cables minimize no longer than 15 ft. Also one of the large advantage of using CAT5 switches is decreasing cluttering at the back of the rack where allows more air flow out of the cabinet, clean and easier cable management. But how does the RJ-45 via CAT5 cables to your servers, basically the conversion is simply use an interface module or dongle to convert VGA and PS2 KVM signal from computer port at the back of the CAT5 KVM switch using CAT5 cables.

18. What is CAT5 KVM Extender?

CAT5 KVM extension solutions provide additional flexibility to your CAT5 KVM management and control systems, by allowing you to set up local CAT5 KVM consoles at varying distances from the computer or server. Some extenders allow distances of up to 300m/1000ft. The real test of an extender, however, is not the distance but the quality of video for the distance. Better performing CAT5 KVM extenders will provide near-local user experience at the console, even if it is relatively far away from the computer. Some CAT5 KVM extenders allow additional options, for example, a local user option at the computer or 2-port CAT5 KVM switching.

Rackmount LCD Monitor KVM Switch

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