KVM switches

Digital KVM switches usually have a rotary knob to select between computers. KVMs typically allow sharing of 2 or 4 computers, with a practical limit of about 12 machines imposed by limitations on available switch configurations.

KVM switchescan be used in a variety of situations. From a user that simply has two Digital Visual Interface capable CPU’s who needs to consolidate into a single keyboard, mouse and display, all the way to the high end user who needs access to many devices using multiple displays and a single keyboard and mouse. The need for USB ports, audio and microphone switching also play an important part in the application.

KVM switches were originally passive, mechanical devices based on multi-pole switches and some of the cheapest devices on the market still use this technology. Multiple serially-managed servers, network devices and power strips from anywhere.

KVM switches offer different methods of connecting the computers. Depending on the product, the switch may present native connectors on the device where standard keyboard, monitor and mouse cables can be attached. Another method of KVM switches to have a single DB25 or similar connector that aggregated connections at the switch with three independent keyboard, monitor and mouse cables to the computers.

Secure KVM-over-IP switch that provides BIOS-level access and control of up to 64 multiplatform servers. Dominion KX II offers standard features such as Virtual Media and dual power, that maximize performance, security, reliability and versatility.

Subsequently, these were replaced by a special KVM cable which combined the keyboard, video and mouse cables in a single wrapped extension cable. The advantage of the last approach is in the reduction of the number of cables between the KVM switch and connected computers. The disadvantage is the cost of these cables.