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A KVM (Keyboard, Video and Mouse) switch is a device that allows you to control multiple PCs, servers and other devices from a single keyboard, video monitor and mouse. This can be particularly beneficial when there is insufficient room for multiple monitors and keyboards, such as in a server room rack or on a small desktop.
PCs and servers that you want to control are connected to the KVM switch using network cabling or special KVM cable kits. A keyboard, monitor and mouse are then connected to the KVM switch, or in some cases the console is built into the KVM switch. You can switch from one computer to another by the use of a button, On-Screen Display (OSD) controls or hot keys on the keyboard, with the KVM routing signals between the connected devices and the keyboard, mouse and monitor console.
KVM switches differ in the number of computers they can control, ranging from two to 64 directly connected computers. Enterprise-level KVM switches can also be daisy-chained or cascaded to allow over 1,000 devices to be controlled from a single keyboard, monitor and mouse console.
KVM switches can be used in home offices, network closets, server rooms, data centers, etc.
Space-saving, convenient and economical, a KVM switch is flexible enough to meet the needs of any home office, small/mid-size or enterprise application. Plus, a KVM switch is easy to install, configure and operate. KVM switches are popular among users who have upgraded their home computer systems and want to still use their old computers but do not want to invest in a second keyboard, monitor and mouse.
KVM switches are also used by businesses to save money when one person uses more than one computer and in server rooms where it is only necessary to periodically access each server one at a time. They are frequently used in data centers where multiple servers are placed in a single rack with a single keyboard, monitor and mouse. A KVM switch then allows data center personnel to connect to any server in the rack.
Access and control PCs and servers from a single keyboard/monitor/mouse console.
Multilevel password protection and advanced encryption keeps network connections secure.
Remote authentication and access rights management facilitate secure access for multiple user groups. Detailed activity logging provides an audit trail for regulatory compliance.
Consolidating server access through a single console eliminates the cost of additional workstations and the energy, space and resources required to support them.
Choose from desktop models that simplify access to multiple devices to more advanced rack-mount models that let you manage many more network servers.
These KVM switches are designed for desktop use in small office and home office environments and include up to eight ports for convenient switching between connected computers.
* Local control of a small number of computers using your own keyboard, monitor and mouse.
Rack KVM consoles offer a built-in high-resolution LCD display, keyboard and touchpad in 1U of rack space and include up to 16 ports designed for controlling multiple servers. Select models also offer remote access and daisy-chaining/cascading capability to control over 1,000 servers.
*Rack-mount Console KVM Switches include a full-size keyboard, touchpad, 17- or 19-inch color LCD. The device folds like a laptop and slides into a 1U rack drawer.
These rack consoles are similar to rack KVM consoles, but do not offer KVM switch functionality to control multiple servers. They include a built-in high-resolution LCD display, keyboard and touchpad in 1U of rack space.
*Control an entire network in just 1U of rack space; includes keyboard, 19" LCD screen and touch pad. Connects to a PS/2 or USB server or KVM switch.
Rack-mount KVM switches are designed to control up to 64 servers from a connected keyboard, video monitor and mouse while occupying only 1U of rack space. Select models also offer remote access and daisy-chaining/cascading capability to control over 1,000 servers.
*Local control of servers, typically in a single rack. Rack mount KVM switches and consoles can be purchased separately, with one console connected to multiple KVMs.
IP remote access (also known as KVM over IP) allows you to access your connected servers over the local network via LAN/WAN or the Internet. Whether you’re in the next room or halfway around the world, you’ll be able to monitor and control servers through a standard Web browser or multi-platform client software. Select models without built-in IP remote access allow you to add an optional IP Remote Access Unit.
*IP Remote Access KVM Switches (also known as KVM over IP) allow you to monitor and control connected equipment over the local network or Internet.
NIAP KVM switches are designed for desktop use in network environments that demand data security. They are recommended for any government, military, financial or healthcare environment where tight security of sensitive data is of utmost importance in a world of constantly changing cyberthreats.
NIAP KVM switches include up to eight ports for convenient switching between connected computers.
*NIAP-certified secure KVMs allow access to multiple computers with different security levels, protecting data from accidental or unauthorized transfer when switching between systems.
A Cat5 KVM switch uses inexpensive, user-supplied Cat5/5e/6/6a network cabling to connect PCs and servers located up to 100 feet away from the KVM switch. This efficient network cabling reduces clutter, improves airflow in rack enclosures and leverages existing resources. Some Cat5 KVMs also provide built-in IP remote access and other models can support remote access by using a server interface unit sold separately.
*Cat5 models use efficient Cat5/5e/6 cabling that reduces clutter, improves airflow in rack enclosures, leverages existing resources and allows local server connections to extend up to 165 ft.
Cable Kits
A cable kit allows you to connect a USB, VGA, SVGA, HDMI or DVI computer to an Eaton KVM switch for optimal cable management and performance. 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 cable kits are available depending on your specific application.
Daisy-Chaining
Daisy-chain cables are available to conveniently connect multiple computers or servers to KVM switches in a direct-connect or cascading configuration for optimal computer monitoring and control.
IP Remote Access
IP remote access lets you control multiple computers directly from the next room, next door or the next continent via LAN, WAN or the Internet.
Multi-Platform Support
Connect KVM switches to multiple versions of PCs and servers with multiple platforms in any combination, including UNIX®, Linux, Windows®, Mac OS®, Solaris and more.
Multiple Users
Multi-user models allow concurrent users to access connected servers with up to five simultaneously active connections. Whether users access them locally or remotely, these KVM switches support multiple levels of password security to accommodate user and administrator accounts.
Each user can be granted full access or varying levels of restricted access, depending on the privileges defined by the administrator. Remote access is further protected with technologies such as advanced encryption, remote authentication and detailed activity logging.
Password protection
Multi-level password protection on select KVM switches allows for the creation of administrator accounts with full access and user accounts with limited access.
PDU Support
Select KVM switches also allow users to remotely control connected IP Power Distribution Units (PDUs). Individual ports on the KVM switch can be assigned to a port on the PDU, allowing you to power cycle or power ON/OFF connected servers without leaving the KVM session screen.
On-Screen Display (OSD)
An on-screen display (OSD) is included with a console KVM switch and allows for easy access and control of multiple network devices.
TAA-Compliance
Select KVM switches qualify for GSA schedule purchases and other government contracts that require KVM switches to comply with the Trade Agreements Act (TAA).
KVM switches are available in desktop, rack-mount and rack-mount console designs. Desktop models are best used when controlling up to eight computers by a user-supplied keyboard, monitor and mouse. NIAP desktop KVM switches are also available for network environments where data security is required.
1U rack-mount, rack-mount console and rack console (no KVM switch) models are ideal for conserving space within rack enclosures that typically contain multiple servers and other networking equipment. In addition, rack-mount console models include a built-in keyboard, LCD display and touchpad that fold down when not in use to maximize rack space.
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