Operating instructions

CHAPTER 1 SIMPLY PUT
4
F
igure 5 – Energy Savings.
A
nnual energy usage of 14”
CRT displays; operating 45
hours per week, 48 weeks per
y
ear with 5.5 hours of powe
r
management per day. Source:
http://office.nrcan.gc.ca
translates directly into utility cost savings. The elimination of the heat generated by extra monitors also
saves HVAC expenses.
• Increasing user productivity is achieved several ways:
1) A KVM switch eliminates user time spent traveling from one control
location to another. Instead, the user has the advantage of quickly
switching between computers from ONE keyboard, ONE monitor and
ONE mouse (or control station). KVM switches can allow extended
control so that computers physically located in one area (for instance,
a server room) can be controlled from another location (a network
administrator’s office).
2) A Universal KVM switch can eliminate the need for the user to
“switch gears” from one peripheral platform to another in order to
control computers of different platforms (i.e., switching from a SUN
keyboard to a PS/2 keyboard). This translating switch allows one
keyboard, monitor and mouse to control all of the attached PCs, Suns
and Macs.
3) A Universal Matrix KVM switch can enhance employee productivity
even further by allowing multiple users to control multiple computers
of different platforms. Thus, several control consoles can be attached
to the matrix switch and each console can independently control or
simultaneously share any of the attached computers. There is no costly
installation of networking hardware and software necessary. The
network administrator can add control points wherever needed, such as
the manufacturing floor or another department area.
DESIGN ISSUES: WHAT MAKES A GOOD KVM SWITCH?
NTI approached the design process by first identifying the concerns critical to producing KVM switches that
meet the needs of today’s work environment.
Please note: More detailed explanations of KVM switch technology and the causes of the problems mentioned
below are contained in the “Technically Speaking” section.
P
ERFORMANCE CONCERNS
• KVM switches should enable users to boot all computers connected to the switch simultaneously.
• The KVM switch should provide reliable control with freedom from crashes. This reliability is an important
factor for businesses that cannot tolerate downtime, errors, or other catastrophic problems.
• KVM switches should support high video resolution (1900x1200) with no degradation of signal. This is
necessary in order for users to take full advantage of the high-resolution display available in monitors
commonly in use today.
F
LEXIBILITY
• The ability to control multiple computer platforms from one keyboard, monitor and mouse is important, as
many customers are adding Sun and/or Macintosh computer platforms to their PC networks.
• Peripheral compatibility – The variety of keyboards, monitors and mice on the market utilize many
“standards.” Compatibility issues can result in lockups that disrupt operations. The KVM switch should be