A single keyboard, video monitor and mouse can be connected to more than one computer using the KVM Switch. The number of computers which can be connected to s single set of peripherals depends upon the ports that the switch has. Available in 2, 4, 8 and 16 ports, these units can also be daisy chained together to control an even greater number of computers. Connections between the peripherals and the host computer can be secured using either CAT5 or VGA cables. Some models are also connected via IP and are known as IP KVM Switches or KVM over IP Switches. Peripherals supported can be either PS2 or VGA with the respective models being known as PS2 KVM switch and USB KVM Switch. Another classification is analog or digital on the basis of the type of connection. The high end model of all these versions are known to support audio and are known as an Audio KVM Switch.
A keyboard, mouse and monitor combined with a KVM switch in a 1U drawer are referred to as a Rackmount KVM Console. A space saving and cost effective solution, this device saves space in the compact environment rack. Available in many models such as PS2 monitor keyboard drawer; Sun Rackmount LCD monitor keyboard drawer, composite video KVM Drawer, KVM Drawer with DVI video, sunlight readable LCD KVM Drawer, KVM Drawer with IP KVM switch, KVM Drawer short / shallow depth, USB KVM drawer, Rackmount keyboard monitor with built in KVM switch, dual slide KVM drawer, Rackmount keyboard, and ANSI / Console Terminal monitor keyboard Drawer. All these models fit into a 1U or 2U rack mountable space and connect with KVM cables.
A keyboard, mouse, LCD and a KVM Switch integrated into a drawer forms a Rackmount KVM LCD. This rugged sliding drawer is mounted in a server rack utilizing only 1U or 2U space providing an economical solution for server rooms. Available with many options, these devices have PS2 and USB variants that support the respective peripherals. Some models differ on the types of systems they connect to and support such as the SUN model that is compatible with SUN systems. Different types of video connections such as VGA, DVI, HDMI, Composite RCA or BNC and S-Video are supported by these devices and they are further classified on the basis of these video formats. The Rackmount keyboard drawer also differs based on model-specific features. For example, some are able to perform in high brightness environments and are known as sunlight readable KVM drawers, while another version called the short depth model, is ideal in situations where rack depth is shallow, such as with portable server racks. Continue reading »
A DVI KVM Switch is used to control multiple DVI based computers using a single set of peripheral devices. Available in both PS2 and USB versions, the models have 2, 4, 8 or 16 ports. Easy to install, the devices work on plug and play functionality. A user needs to connect the peripherals to the input port and the computers to the output ports. Once powered on, the device is ready to be used. It does not require any additional software or device drivers for operation. Offering multi platform support, these devices work with DOS, Win3.X, Win95/98/98SE/2000/ME, WinNT, Netware, UNIX, and Linux.
The DVI Switch is hot pluggable so a user can add or remove connected PCs for maintenance without powering down the switch or the computers. Control can be exercised using hot keys or front panel push buttons. Continue reading »
A single set of USB peripherals can be used to control and manage multiple USB computers with the help of a USB KVM Switch. Available in 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 port versions,this device is available in rack mountable and desktop versions. Commercial grade units can be daisy chained together to control a larger numbers of servers. Both versions can support high resolution video signals up to 1600 x 1200 and some units will also support the Native SUN resolution of 1152 x 900 with a bandwidth of 200MHz. While the 8, 16 and 32 port versions fit into a 1U form factor and can be used as a standalone device, they are also designed to be integrated into our 1U and 2U Rackmount USB KVM Drawer. Built to fit into a durable metal enclosure, this switch has many user friendly features.
One or more computers can be controlled with a single set of peripherals using an IP KVM Switch. However, the key feature of this device is that it bypasses the control limits of a typical switch by allowing users to remotely exercise control over IP with 128 bit browser based access. There is no need for a physical connection in the form of wires. This device gives the freedom to access the systems over a local area network or a wide area network from remote locations. Compatible with almost every operating system and network device in the office environment, these switches add a greater flexibility to the network by placing the systems where they are required and the peripherals where they are desired.
Available in 8, 16 or 32 ports, the KVM over IP device can also be cascaded or daisy chained together for connecting up to 128 servers. Continue reading »
With advances in technology, the KVM Switch was upgraded to support USB peripherals and this device came to be known as USB KVM Switch. Using this, one can control up to 32 computers with a single set of USB peripherals and switch. Several versions including the 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 port versions of this device are available, but for even larger configurations the devices can be daisy chained together. Supporting resolutions up to 1920 x 1440 including native SUN resolutions of 1152 x 900 at a band width of 200 MHz, these devices are compatible with multiple platforms such as SUN, IBM, HP, Dell, Solaris, and Mac, and Windows Vista/2003/XP/2000, Netware, UNIX and Linux.
Since the USB switch only supported VGA video monitors, the DVI KVM Switch was introduced as these displays became more popular. This allows controlling DVI enabled computers with one DVI monitor, USB keyboard and USB mouse. Supporting resolutions of 1600 X 1200 @ 60Hz along with various platforms and operating systems, they are perfect for applications that require mixed analog / digital operation. Other key features are the Auto Scan Mode for monitoring PCs, placement of CPUs away from harsh work environments and LEDs displaying the PC status. Easy to install using plug and play technology, with switching between sources done using RS232, IR remote control or front panel push buttons. The main limitation of these switches is distance, which is restricted by USB cable lengths. Continue reading »
A device which connects peripherals including a single keyboard, video and a mouse to multiple systems is called a KVM Switch. By eliminating clutter and saving space, these devices have made it very simple to control multiple computers with a single set of peripherals. Typically, a user can connect computers ranging in number between 2 to 32, but by daisy chaining, the switches access can be increased by up to 256 Servers. Equipped with the ability to control both PS2 and/or USB devices, these units are available in a variety of categories such as, KVM over IP and the CAT5 switches.
Form factors for the KVM switch include: 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 port versions. This range of sizes allows them to be used in environments such as homes and small offices where a single user needs to control as few as two PCs with a 2 port KVM Switch; to large data centers where hundreds of servers may be involved and requires cascading multiple switches. Working on plug and play functionality, these devices do not have any complex installation procedures. They do not require any additional software for start up and switching between PCs can be done via front panel push buttons, keyboard commands, on- screen display or RS232. Supporting multiple platforms, they can be used with Windows Vista/2003/XP/2000, Linux and UNIX operating systems. Continue reading »
KVM switch is a hardware device that permits a user to connect a single keyboard, monitor and mouse to multiple computers. These switches have numerous benefits, some of which are saving time, money, space, equipment and power. They also allow controlling a pool of server computers using a single keyboard, monitor and mouse. These devices come in handy for businesses because severs in the server farm are accessed separately and periodically at any Continue reading »
KVMStuff.com, is a distributor of KVM connectivity and A/V extension solutions, such as KVM switches, KVM Extenders and Video Matrix Switches for a number of suppliers including, Austin Hughes, SmartVM, SmartAVI, Shinybow, Raritan, Icron, and Mincom. KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) and A/V (audio/video) technology can help your business operate more efficiently and effectively by eliminating redundancy, saving space and allowing greater versatility with the use of various KVM products. Each KVM Switch, KVM Extender or Video Matrix Switch has its’ own unique set of features and functions that can help meet the needs of your organization for a single configuration or overall business solution.
