|
|
Focus on KVM Switching Technology
What is a KVM Switch?KVM stands for Keyboard, Video and Mouse, and a KVM Switch allows you to control two or more computers from a single keyboard, monitor and mouse. KVM Switches are sometimes also known as PC Switches, Server Switches and CPU Switches.
In its simplest form KVM (Keyboard, Video and Mouse) switches provide users with central control of multiple computers from a single keyboard monitor and mouse.
In a literal sense, a switch can be considered as a device that provides an electronic means of plugging a keyboard monitor and mouse into the PC you wish to operate but only when you need it.
If, as a server administrator, developer, designer, programmer, ISP, ASP or city trader you need to control multiple PC's, one at a time, then a KVM switch will:
� Reduce the space and clutter taken up by multiple keyboards and monitors.
� Save equipment costs - a KVM switch is far cheaper than multiple monitors.
� Use less electricity.
� Produce less heat
Why do I need a KVM Switch?It is becoming increasingly common for users to have a group of servers that they only access infrequently and providing each server with its own keyboard, monitor and mouse requires the purchase of unnecessary hardware as well as taking up valuable space and using power. But anyone needing to control more than one computer will benefit from a KVM switch, savings in hardware alone will cover the purchase price plus the hidden savings in time and energy. There are several other substantial benefits from using a KVM switch: you can access all your computers through your best monitor, keyboard and mouse; KVM makes life easier - you work from one desk simply switching between computers and KVM helps improve productivity by running different applications on different computers simultaneously.
KVM switches vary, from small compact desktop models that can be sited on or near a desk to larger sophisticated rack-mounted switches that have multiple ports and are designed for complex server management applications
Why can't I use a manual switch?The technology used for manual switches is crude and the physical switching soon wears out the contacts causing poor video quality. Manual switches don't have a two-way communication with the mouse and keyboard, when the computer powers on it looks for a response from the mouse and keyboard, an intelligent KVM switch emulates the connection electronically and sets their functionality and characteristics. With a manual switch the connection is lost every time it's switched off, the switches have very limited functionality and are not recommended for a professional environment or where the switch is in constant use.
How does a KVM switch work?A KVM switch is two devices in one box: It comprises a video switch that switches analogue video and sync pulses between shared monitors and computers and a microprocessor controlled system that sends and receives keyboard and mouse data and emulates the presence of keyboards and mice when they are not connected directly to the computer.
Will installing a switch cause problems with my existing software and hardware?A KVM switch is a hardware device that is software independent so connecting it to a computer is the same as connecting a keyboard or a mouse, it doesn't require any software to install it and will not interfere with any programs that are running. Occasionally there are compatibility problems with connectors on older PCs. Most PCs have PS/2 mini DIN connectors but some old systems have 5 pin DIN and RS232 mice. To ensure compatibility with all combinations of computers, it is very important to purchase a KVM switch that supports both types from the same keyboard and mouse.
All Adder KVM switches support mixed RS232 PS/2 mice and PS/2 and 5 pin DIN keyboards in a seamless system.
Multi User KVM SwitchesWith the technological infrastructure employed by many companies becoming ever more complex, and mission critical, the tendency to employ multiple administrators is becoming increasingly common in order to ensure minimal downtime.
At this level of server administration it becomes increasingly important that the users involved have access to all the machines necessary to complete this task and possibly to restrict access to some other machines.
This will require a KVM switch that will allow multiple users to access multiple servers. This leads to other complications with the choice of the switch itself in terms of providing:
� Security/pasword protection - to stop unauthorised staff from attempting maintenance on crucial equipment.
� User profiles - many organisations now require 24 hour supervision of servers requiring shift workers to maintain the staff levels. This will lead to the requirement of multiple user profiles to allow a strict profile to be designated to each user dependent on their skill set and level of authority.
Multi Platform KVM SwitchesIn fast developing markets, such as that of IT, constant innovations ensure that industry standards are increasingly difficult to maintain. This can cause issues in relation to KVM switches. One of the more recent advances is in the use of USB for Keyboard and Mouse connections. In environments where there are a variety of platforms being used, variations may occur in the physical connections and protocol that are used it is therefore necessary to ensure that:
� The new connectors can be attached via the use of 'physical adapters'.
� To ensure that each switch can have its software upgraded to meet the new standards set by associated product developments.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a KVM SwitchThere is a considerable choice of KVM Switches designed and developed for different end user needs. The key factors in choosing the right Switch for your needs are:
� How many ports are needed?
� How many users will need access to the connected computers?
� Which platforms need to be supported by the switch?
� Consider which method of selecting PC's through the switch suits your method of working best. I.E. is the switch going to be close at hand or out of sight?
� How many computers do I want to control?
� Do I need a high screen resolution for my application?
� Do I want the switch on my desk or remotely controlled from a rack?
� Am I likely to increase the number of computers under my control so I'll need to cascade multiple switches with no loss of data quality?
� Do I need an on-screen display to make channel selection easier?
� How far from my desk do I want to site my computers?
� Do I need a local keyboard, monitor and mouse connection for controlling the computers when I'm in the server room?
� Do I operate in a multi-platform environment and need to switch seamlessly between systems?
(c) Adder Technology Ltd. 2003 - Acknowledgements to Adder Technology Limited of Cambridge for supplying this Focus On ... feature on KVM Extension Technology to Netshop.
|
|