KVM Switches and Extenders FAQ's
What should I look for when buying a KVM Extender kit?
There are three basic types of KVM Extender kits:
KVM (Keyboard, Video Mouse) which extends your work station over CatX (UTP) cable, Fiber Optic cable or over IP, when choosing the correct extender kit for your needs you should take into account:
- A) The distance you want to extend to; over CatX UTP cable up to 300 meters, over Fiber cable up to 10,000 meters and over IP to an unlimited distance restricted only by your LAN and the Bandwidth required.
- B) The resolution of the video you wish to extend; the video connections (VGA, DVI, HDMI & DisplayPort) and how many screens (up to four per extender kit).
- C) What are the keyboard and mouse connection (PS/2 or USB).
- D) What other options you require, Audio, Serial, USB 1.1 for Keyboard, Mouse, USB 2.0 Full (16Mbs) for Touchscreens & peripheral devices or USB High Speed (480Mbs) for data transfer from a USB stick
What should I look for when buying a Video Extender kit?
A video Extender kit extends video and optional audio & serial signals over CatX (UTP) Cable, Fiber Optic Cable or over IP, when choosing the correct extender kit for your needs you should take into account:
- A) The distance you want to extend to
- B) The resolution of the video you wish to extend; the video connections (VGA, DVI, HDMI DisplayPort etc.) and how many screens (up to four per extender kit).
- D) What other options you require, PoE (Power over Ethernet) & IR Remote Control
How many computers can I attach to a KVM Switch?
Depending on the model you buy anything up to 1024 servers in one network. Units can be cascaded or linked using internal Bus systems to create large banks of switches either co-located or distributed. KVM over IP systems can connect unlimited users and computers over a private LAN, the only restriction is the Bandwidth available
We strongly advise that you contact our Technical Sales Advisors to discuss your current and future KVM requirements as technology is changing on a regular basis in this regard.
How secure is KVM Switch Access Over IP?
If you are accessing the KVM switch via IP then these often use 128 bit SSL encryption or higher, and users must enter security codes which are hardware-based as opposed to software-based, making it even more difficult for any potential hacker.
Devices also capture, digitise, and compress the video signal before transmitting to a remote PC, giving secure real-time control. Some Manufacturers provide proprietary software and some use standard Network browsers to provide access. Whichever is the case they all provide hardware based security giving you the best possible protection from intrusion. If you would like to know more about a specific product then please contact our Technical Sales Advisors for information.
Do KVM Switches really vary in quality and performance?
Yes. This is one industry where you definitely get what you pay for!
When choosing your switch it’s very much a matter of “Horses for Courses”. Our suppliers provide you with a huge selection of devices to choose from for your specific applications from entry level SOHO (small office home office) products through to Enterprise / Data Centre Management Networks and Live / Post Production Broadcast applications. Whichever is your level we guarantee the quality of the components used.
The leading switch manufacturers use better quality processors for emulation and often can amplify the video signals.
How far away from the switch can the Computers/User(s) be?
Depending on the model you purchase the CPUs and Users can be up to 300mtrs away over UTP CatX cable or up to 10,000 meters over Fiber Optic cable and to an unlimited distance over IP through your private LAN.
How secure are KVM Switches?
Depending on the model you buy the User has the ability to have Password controlled access to their switch restricting unauthorised Users.
If you are accessing the switch via IP then these often use 128 bit SSL encryption or higher, users must enter security codes which are hardware-based as opposed to software-based, making it even more difficult for any potential hacker. Devices also capture, digitise, and compress the video signal before transmitting to a remote PC, giving secure real-time control.
Can I use IP access devices with any make of KVM Switch?
Generally yes. KVM over IP access devices connect through browser based software on the remote computer located anywhere in the world to your local user inputs on the KVM switch KVM
From this point the usual features of the switch should be available as long as there are no conflicting hotkey commands. If you are purchasing a unit to work with an existing KVM switch that is not supplied by one of the KVM Manufacturers that we support then please contact our Technical Sales Advisors for confirmation of compatibility.