Operating instructions

CHAPTER 1 SIMPLY PUT
9
Control Options
A variety of control methods is available for the NTI KVM switch line as standard or optional equipment.
Below is a brief description of each.
 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) provides a method to select and control attached computers by name from
the front of the KVM switch itself.
 On Screen Display (OSD) allows users to utilize the keyboard or mouse to operate the KVM switch from
menus superimposed onto the user’s monitor. OSD on NTI’s Matrix KVM switches includes advanced
security features, discussed under “Security” below.
 RS232 Control – NTI KVM switches are RS232 compatible when you add the optional module to the
switch. When you connect to the RS232 option, you can control the switch via a list of commands that
appears on your monitor, without having to utilize the console buttons. This is very helpful when the KVM
switch resides at a remote location; it eliminates the need for the user to get up and go to the KVM switch
console in order to switch to different computer ports or to perform tasks.
 Infrared Wireless Remote capabilities are an option on most NTI KVM switches. This lets the user control
the switch from up to 50 feet away, switching from one computer to another with two touches of a button.
The remote unit has a seven-segment display that shows which computer is active. Wireless remote utilizes
an optional transmitter (sold separately) and an optional receiver built into the switch to provide remote
control.
Modes
NTI’s KVM switches feature the following modes of operation which allow users to efficiently control
multiple computers:
• In Normal Operating Mode the user can directly operate the selected computer with transparent presence
of the NTI switch.
• Scan Mode causes the switch to automatically and sequentially display the video from each powered-on
computer. Length of scan (the delay between changing ports) can be set for 2 to 255 seconds.
• Command Mode allows the user to give instructions to the switch (such as changing ports or mode of
operation) through their keyboard. Keystrokes are not passed on to the computer.
Extension Options
Quality Cables
Cables have bandwidth response limits. Exceed the bandwidth they can handle, and your picture may get
fuzzy. Resonance issues may also cause ghosting at higher resolution.
The cables that NTI supplies with its KVM switch product line are the highest quality available on the
market today. This regard for high quality standard cables ensures that your video output meets and exceeds
your expectations.
Most NTI units are compatible with standard cables. NTI also carries a variety of optional extension cables
and adapters for extending signals, and can create custom cables for our customers. These cables support
high bandwidth (maximum 300MHz, which is the highest on the market) and are fire retardant for safety.
Cat5 KVM Extenders
NTI also offers Cat5 Extenders, which utilize Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable (in-house
telephone wire), to extend control up to 575 feet.
As illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, Cat5 Extenders are available in both KVM and Video Only models.
Each Cat5 Extender consists of a Local unit connected to the computer or NTI KVM switch and a Remote