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What is a KVM Switch?KVM Switch definitionKVM switches are devices that provide a single user or multiple users with reliable access to multiple computers including multiple video channels and a mix of USB peripherals. Some KVM switches are designed to connect to up to thousands of servers and users and are even plug-and-play, so you can add or disconnect users and servers almost as quickly as you can plug and unplug cables. What does a KVM Switch do and what is it used for?KVM Switches process multiple video and peripheral signals and provide a single output to only one screen, keyboard, and mouse - or vice versa (reverse KVM switch). KVM switching allows operators to quickly access several computing data sources or AV signals. The technology is operating system agnostic and transparent to all applications. Application scenarios include desktop switching in offices, medical imaging, broadcast, post-production, and command and control rooms. Many businesses use server rooms to securely store dozens or even hundreds of servers. This figure can rise to thousands in data centers. In this scenario, IT staff are able to control all servers that are connected to a KVM switch with just one keyboard, monitor and mouse. This saves a lot of time, allowing to complete even the most advanced processes with ease KVM Switch uses
Types of KVM SwitchesThere are different types of KVM switches that are capable of transmitting various signals: VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort video signals, transparent USB 2.0 and 3.1, digital or analogue audio, as well as serial formats like RS232. KVM switches can be combined with KVM extenders, transmitting signals over CATx cabling, fibre optic cabling, or an IP network. KVM Switch types can be differentiate by the following criteria: By type of connectivity: Desktop KVM switchesDesktop KVM switches usually provide switching capabilities of between 2 to 8 source PCs to one or even two (i.e. dual-head) monitor(s). There are KVM switches for almost all types of display connectors including legacy analog VGA, digital interfaces like DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI. Desktop KVM Switches also provid connectvity for HID such as keyboards an mice over USB 1/2/3 or legacy PS/2. Some of them also provide capabilities of switching between analog and digital (embedded) audio in/out. Since they are usually not big in size, they can be put on a desktop or even moounted behind a screen (vesa mounting) or underneath a table. KVM Matrix Switches (Connectivity over CATx, Fibre or an IP network)KVM matrix switches are used to connect multiple users with multiple sources like PCs and servers. The term matrix derives from the fact, that users can access various different sources within one managed KVM network - creating a matrix of various switchable endpoints. KVM matrices usually provide a specific number of ports to connect all endpoints over a transmission medium which can be CATx or fibre, utilising either a proprietary transmission protocol or IP. KVM matrix switches are usually also combined with KVM extenders to connect all related machines and users over small to large distances (CATx: usually < 150m; Fibre: >150 m < 20km). There is a large number of different types of KVM matrix switches varying from central, fixed port switches to modular, card-based ones, or even zero-client based IP systems that do not require a proprietary central switching unit and provide greater scalability. There's a wide range of supported display, peripheral, and audio interfaces, such as analog VGA, SDI, Composite, digital DVI, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 2.0/3.1, PS/2, serial formats such as RS232, Infrared, digital and analog audio and even more. KVM over IP switchesIP KVM switches allow users to control multiple PCs over a network, from anywhere at any time, with integral IP remote access. These switches are used to monitor and control multiple PCs and servers either in a dedicated IP network, a LAN (Local Area Network) or even over a WAN/Internet. These types of switches are usually intended for medium to large installations and data centers that require several users to manage a number of computers or servers. Usually, KVM matrix switches are combined with KVM extenders to enable access from multiple consoles throughout multiple rooms, buildings or even sites. Find out more about Black Box KVM over IP Switches: By type of signal distribution: HDMI KVM SwitchesHDMI KVM switches provide HDMI signal switching without compromising video quality. These switches offer fast switching times without delays. They are ideal for applications such as broadcast, high-end medical imaging, interactive digital signage, home theatres, and even industrial automation. Find out more about Black Box HDMI KVM Switches: DVI KVM SwitchesDVI KVM extenders are designed to provide a reliable digital video experience, overcomming the limitations of legacy analog formats such as VGA. These types of switches can support single-link or dual-link DVI-D or DVI-I and can even provide backwards compatibility to analogue VGA signals using a passive or active video converter. These switches are ideal in critical enterprise-level applications where reliable digital image quality and fast switch-over of redundant hardware are required, for example in broadcast playout centres, process monitoring and control, staging labs, and data centres. Find out more about Black Box DVI KVM Switches:
DisplayPort KVM SwitchesDisplayPort KVM switches are specially useful for peripheral sharing when users need to share more USB peripherals among all computers. Like this, it's possible to use one set of keyboard, mouse and monitor to work on one computer while USB peripherals are connected to other computers. This helps to access high-performance graphical workstations and critical video processors from secure and temperature controlled equipment rooms while maintaining the same user desktop experience for editors, 3D artists and control room operators. Find out more about Black Box DisplayPort KVM Switches:
VGA KVM SwitchesVGA KVM extenders are ideal for an affordable smooth real time switching experience and are capable of switching up to 1920x1200 VGA signals. These switches support dual, triple, or quad VGA video connectors, providing you with easy access to video heads on each channel. Find out more about Black Box VGA KVM Switches:
KVM Switches benefits and applicationsThere are many things to look for in a KVM switch such as single- or dual-head support. Main benefits of this technology include:
Secure KVM switches are devices that allow network access at different levels of security. This prevents unauthorized network access and ensures multi-domain data isolation, as well as restricted switching and partitioning of video and data. By being capable of isolating between a secure network and a non-secure network, users have access to both systems from one user station thus saving space and costs. Users can securely manage, troubleshoot and configure IT equipment typically found in remote offices and IT racks - including servers, blades, switches, routers, network appliances, PBXs, firewalls, load balancers and power distribution units. This is specially important for command and control operations, including government, military, and defense. The most important features of secure KVM switches are secure port switching, data channel isolation, restricted USB connectivity and user data protection. Find more about Black Box Secure KVM Switches.
Dual and Multi Monitor KVM switches can be found amongst both single user Desktop KVM switches and KVM matrix switches. This feature allows users to have an extended desktop experience and at the same time easily access all of the connected computers from a single console.
What is the best KVM Switch for me and what factors do I need to take into account when choosing?It's important to carefully consider what is the best KVM switch for your configuration depending on your application requirements and the switch features. In order to find the best KVM switch for your configuration here are the major questions to consider:
If you are wondering which KVM Switch you need, and what is the best KVM Switch to buy for your configuration, visit our KVM Swiches and Extenders page. Find recommendations, suggestions and all the important features you should look for when purchasing a KVM Switch What to know more?
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