Date Published: 28th February 2011
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KVM Switch is a switching device which is used to connect two or more computers with a single keyboard video mouse system. The range of kvm switches starts from 2 to 32 ports. The use of switches depends upon the requirements. Normally 2 port kvm switch and 4 port kvm switch is use for home or small office use while the other port kvm switches are involve in business and enterprise level. You may connect several servers through daisy chaining concept. It supports all operating systems and the bandwidth of 200 MHz. Due to the flexibility of this kvm switch it is used in various environments like educational,financial, business, government, recreational and commercial purpose. There are verities of kvm (keyboard, video mouse) switches exist and it can be used according to your requirements. Some details of these switches are as follows:
USB KVM Switch: ?With the help of
USB KVM Switch we can connect 32 computers with one USB peripheral device. These are also comes in 2 to 32 port and support resolution up to 1920 x 1440 including native SUN resolutions of 1152 x 900. It is the most popular device due to easy connection via usb switch.
DVI KVM Switch: The
DVI KVM Switch is used to transfer the digital data to dvi display device without any corruption of data. You can connect multiple computers with the help of usb keyboard or mice or with PS/2. It supports resolutions up to 1600 X 1200 at 60Hz.
IP KVM Switch (KVM over IP): In the above two kvm switches the distance is a measure drawback. The
KVM over IP has no bar of distance. You can easily access your server via a 128 bit secure browser from anywhere in the world over TCP/IP. Due to remote access facilities it is widely used in surveillance purpose.
There are some other kvm switches like CAT5 KVM Switch, PS2 KVM Switch and many more. ?Before buy any kvm switches first know what your requirements and what the features included in your products which is going to buy. Always choose best among all the others like usb, ip dvi and so on (according to your use).
Date Published: 28th February 2011 Republish this article
A KVM Switch is used to control multiple computers using a single Keyboard, Monitor and mouse. In situations where multiple computers need to be controlled without multiple input devices, this switch comes in handy. Supporting most platforms such as SUN, IBM, HP, Dell, Windows Vista/2003/XP/2000, UNIX and MAC, they also help in proper utilization of space and result in better cable management. A typical KVM Switch can connect from 2 to 32 computers, but by cascading these devices, an even greater number of computers can be controlled. Available in USB and PS2 versions, they also can be classified by the type of video signals which are relayed.
A DVI KVM Switch is one such model which can be used to control multiple DVI based computers with a single set of peripherals. These switches are available in ports ranging from 2 to 16. Supporting a resolution of 1600 X 1200 @ 60Hz along with various platforms and operating systems such as DOS, Win3.X, Win95/98/98SE/2000/ME, WinNT, Netware, UNIX, and Linux, these devices are used for applications that require mixed analog / digital operation. Key features of this device are an Auto Scan Mode for monitoring PCs, and adding or removing computers without powering down the switch. The main drawback is that it secures connections using a DVI cable which can be bulky.
Connections can also be secured using Category 5 or Category 6 cables in conjunction with a switch known as a CAT5 KVM Switch. The distance of access can be up to 40 meters away and these cables also help in saving space and reducing clutter. Supporting VGA video resolution up to 1600 x 1200, these switches are also available in rack mountable versions. The cat5 over KVM device has features such as a multi lingual on screen display menu (OSD), advanced user profiles and configurable OSD hot key combinations, dual power with fail over, and 12, 24 and 48 volt DC power options. Some models also have audio and microphone features and control over these switches can be exercised using hot keys, the front panel push buttons or the on-screen display.
Used in environments where multiple computers can be controlled using one set of peripherals, the KVM Switch finds usage in server and network rooms, presentation facilities, digital signage applications and more.
