KVM switches are devices that allow single or multiple users reliable access to multiple computers with various video channels and a combination of USB peripherals. Some KVM switches are designed to connect to thousands of servers and users, and are even “Plug and Play,” so you can add and disconnect users and servers almost as fast as connecting and disconnecting cables.
These devices are more frequently used in the professional field, but in recent times they have also become popular among streamers, especially those who stream with dual PC settings. The functional basis of these devices is to allow a user to control multiple PCs using the same monitor, mouse, keyboard and audio device. The basis is that you can connect two or even more PCs to the same KVM.
There are several types of KVM switches that can carry multiple signals: VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, transparent USB 2.0 and 3.1, digital or analog audio, as well as serial signal formats, such as RS232. KVM switches can be combined with KVM extenders, transmitting signals over CATx cable, fiber optic cable or IP network. The types of KVM switches can be differentiated by the following:
▸Desktop KVMSwitches
Desktop KVMSwitches typically have switching options for 2-8 PCs with one or even two monitors. KVM switches are available for almost all types of display connectors, including analog VGA, digital interfaces such as DVI, DisplayPort, and HDMI. Desktop KVM switches also provide connectivity for HIDs such as USB keyboards and mice.
▸Matrix KVMSwitches
Matrix KVMSwitches are used to connect various users to various sources, such as PCs and servers. The term matrix derives from the fact that users can access multiple sources within a managed KVM network, creating a matrix of multiple switchable remote points. KVM matrices also offer a specific number of ports to connect all remote points through a transmission medium that can be CATx cable or fiber, using a proprietary transmission protocol or IP. Matrix KVMSwitches are often combined with KVM extenders to connect all corresponding machines and users over short or long distances
▸KVM over IP switches
IP KVMswitches allow users to control multiple PCs over IP, wherever they are and at any time, with integrated remote access over IP.
▸HDMI KVM Switches
HDMI KVMSwitches offer switching of HDMI signals without compromising video quality. These switches offer short switching times, without delays, and are ideal in broadcast, healthcare, interactive Digital Signage, home theater and even industrial automation applications.
▸DVI KVMSwitches
DVI KVM Extenders are designed to provide a reliable digital video experience, overcoming the limitations of legacy analog formats such as VGA. These types of switches can support single or dual link DVI-D or DVI-I and can even offer backward compatibility with analog VGA signals using a passive or active video converter.
▸DisplayPort KVM Switches
DisplayPort KVMSwitches are especially useful for peripheral sharing when users must share more USB peripherals between all computers. In this way, a keyboard, mouse and monitor assembly can be used to work on one computer while connecting USB peripherals to other computers.
▸VGA KVMSwitches
VGA KVMSwitches are ideal for an affordable real-time, skip-free switching experience, and can switch VGA signals up to 1920x 1200. These switches support dual, triple, or quad VGA video connectors, providing easy access to multiple video heads.
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