Best KVM switch

While the mouse, monitor and keyboard are connected directly to the KVM switch, there are proprietary cables (DB25 plug on the KVM switch) for connecting the computers to be operated to the switch in addition to the standard cable (VGA+2xPS/2, DVI, USB). The advantage of this cable is that the connection can be made more quickly and is mechanically more stable. For switches with modular connections, one adapter per computer is used for its respective connections. In this way, the same cable types can be used for the lines between them as for Ethernet. Switching is possible with the key, a hotkey or a rotary switch. Thanks to the emulation of the mouse and keyboard, the KVM switch ensures that the connected computers perceive keyboard and mouse as continuously connected. However, your settings are saved for each computer individually. This avoids disturbances in the drivers, the operating systems and the respective hardware. LEDs or numerical displays on the boxes of the KVM switches show which computer is being used. For quad video or dual video on a workstation with two or four monitors there are special KVM switches or other models can be coupled together and switched synchronously. So-called “matrix KVM switches” or “multi-user KVM switches” have connections for at least two workstations. These allow several administrators or users to work on different computers at the same time. One configuration can limit the often unwanted simultaneous access of multiple users to the same computer. These KVM switches have a sophisticated security system that restricts individual users to specific computers and password protection. The selection as well as the configuration of the computers is done via so-called OSD menus.

With a KVM over IP technology switch, monitor, mouse and keyboard are not connected directly to the KVM switch, but to a networked computer with special software or Java-based browser. The screen output of the encoders is converted by the KVM switch and mouse and keyboard information is sent to the switch. This allows remote control from any workstation via the Internet or in your own network, in some cases also via ISDN or modem. KVM over IP has some disadvantages:- complex security measures are necessary- slower screen setup- limited color depth- jerky mouse movements- higher costs

These are used to extend the distance between the switch and the computer or workstation and to improve the transmission of signals without loss of quality. Other cable types such as Cat5 cables with modular connections are used for this purpose. A transmitter and a receiver device are connected at both ends. These two devices must fit together and are usually sold as a pair

These KVM switches do not only help to avoid the cable clutter by using only one mouse and one keyboard, they also offer the possibility to change the BIOS settings of remote computers.