What Is a KVM Switch?

What Is a KVM Switch?

A kvm switch allows a single keyboard, monitor and mouse to control multiple computers or servers. They are commonly used in data centers, offices and creative workspaces where multiple computers need to be controlled by a single person. They can be a convenient way to eliminate the need for multiple sets of input devices, which can cause clutter on desktops. These switches also allow for a more centralized management of multiple systems and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

A kvm switch can be either a mechanical or electronic device. Mechanical devices use a series of metal contacts to make firm, low resistance electrical connections. While these devices work well in many applications, they can be subject to failure of one or more components over time. This can result in patchy colors on the screen, or unreliable peripheral response. Gold-plated contacts improve this aspect of switch performance, but increase the overall cost of the device. Electronic devices use a microprocessor and potentially specialized video capture hardware to capture and convert the monitor, keyboard and mouse signals into packets for transmission over a network. The remote console application at the other end of the network then unpacks and re-constitutes the dynamic graphical image, with no effect on the operating system running on the computer being controlled.

Most modern KVM switches support the latest display and input technology, with HDMI and DisplayPort being common choices. However, older models may only support VGA connections. For the best compatibility, choose a switch that supports the most common outputs of your existing computers and monitors. This will ensure that your equipment will work with the switch and reduce the need for clumsy adapters.

While a kvm switch can be installed in a desktop computer, they are most often used in data center environments. They can be daisy-chained to allow greater numbers of computers to be controlled from a single console, and are available in small, mid-size and enterprise configurations.

The primary reason to deploy a kvm switch in a data center is to enable administrators to quickly and conveniently manage multiple systems without having to travel between different servers or desktop computers. This enables faster troubleshooting and resolution of problems, and helps to minimize downtime for key business applications.

Other uses for a kvm switch include industrial applications, such as paper mills or semiconductor fabrication plants. These facilities are dusty and dirty, and a kvm switch can help prevent the accumulation of dirt on computer equipment, which could impact operations. They can also be used to keep sensitive computer equipment in protected areas and away from the general manufacturing process, which could contaminate otherwise clean and sterile environments.

KVM switches can be found in a variety of industrial settings, from schools to office buildings and creative workplaces. In hospitals and medical centers, they can be used to monitor a patient’s vital signs from anywhere on the hospital floor. KVM switches are also used by IT professionals to control the server racks at their organization’s data center.

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