Operating instructions

CHAPTER 1 SIMPLY PUT
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Figure 1 - Basic KVM switch configuration
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SIMPLY PUT
WHAT IS A KVM SWITCH?
KVM stands for: Keyboard – Video – Mouse.
The primary purpose of a KVM switch is to control more than one computer with ONE keyboard, ONE mouse
and ONE monitor (also known as a control console). This is achieved with no special software or hardware
modifications to the attached computers. Control of the computer at all stages of operation is achieved by
utilizing the keyboard, video and mouse ports. It may help to begin by defining what a KVM switch is NOT:
• A KVM switch is not a software-based application such as PCAnywhere® or NetMeeting®. Software-based
applications can be used to control the desktop of remote computers. However, these applications require
that software be installed on each computer which will be accessed, which can interfere with other
programs, and are not useful for working between different computer types and operating systems. They
also do not allow the user to access the computer when the machine is at the BIOS level.
• A KVM switch is not a Telnet or Serial terminal connection. These connections can provide control to some
lower-level features from a distance, but don’t provide a GUI interface.
• A KVM switch is not a network. KVM switches do not replace or eliminate the need for networking, but
can work in conjunction with a network.
KVM switches are a hardware-based solution to reduce the
number of keyboards, monitors, and mice needed to control
multiple computers. As illustrated in Figure 1, a KVM switch
allows the user to control the selected computer (PC 2) via his or
her keyboard and mouse, and view the video display from the
selected computer on a monitor, as if directly connected. Select
PC 1 at the switch, and you’ll see and control PC1 – Select PC2,
and you’ll see and control PC 2.
KVM switches are commonly used in environments where one
user needs to operate two or more computers, or where one or
more administrators manage multiple computers from a central
location. These include data centers, network operating centers,
server rooms, software development and testing labs, help desks,
departmental LANs and any desktop with multiple computers.
Some typical applications include:
• A salesman wants to control a notebook computer using a
desktop monitor, keyboard and mouse.
• A graphic artist wants to control two computers of different
platforms (i.e., a PC and a Mac®) without cluttering his or
her desk with two keyboards, two mice and two monitors.
• A network administrator wants the ability to control a large
number of servers from both his office and the server room.