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A Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) switch  allows a user to control more than one computer with a single keyboard, monitor and mouse (often referred to as a "console"). Users can literally manage and access thousands of computers or servers from a single "console". While selecting the best switch can be a difficult task, the professional staff at KVM Switches Online is here to assist you.

The switching products we sell are from the industry's leading manufactures, and unlike some of our competitors, you can be sure that all items purchased on this site are new products, shipped in the manufacturer's original, unopened packaging.

Top Ten Considerations When Choosing a KVM Switch

When choosing a KVM Switch, there are many important things to keep in mind. Below you will find ten things you should consider.

1. Digital KVM vs. Front-End IP KVM Switch
2. Support for Audio
3. Integration of Remote Power Management Functionality
4. Security/Authentication
5. Number of Users
6. CAT5 Switches
7. Resolution and Performance
8. Support for Serial Devices
9. Bandwidth
10. Distance Requirements

1. Digital vs. Front-End IP products - If you want to implement KVM over IP, you can choose between pure digital applications or front-end IP products. A pure digital implementation uses digital Keyboard, Video, Mouse switches. This network-based management approach allows administrators to gain BIOS-level access of the attached servers by communicating through the networked switch. Front-End IP products are positioned at the console of existing analog switches and permit remote users to gain secure access to an existing switch and attached servers.
2. Support for Audio - Some switches provide audio support. For example, the Rose Electronics UltraView Pro series will support audio switching for users and computers. For enterprise users, Avocent AMX devices provide multi-user switches that support audio functionality.
3. Integration of Remote Power Management Functionality - By integrating a remote reboot device, administrators can cycle power to a server from a user station or an internet browser from any location worldwide. Integrated power management solutions allow users to control keyboard, video and mouse switching and remote reboot management from the same user interface. Enterprise-level solutions such as Server Technology’s line of remote power management products provide multiple options for 3-phase or 208 power.
4. Security/Authentication - Most KVM over IP devices allow an administrator to leverage existing authentication schema such as LDAP, Active Directory, RADIUS, or TACACS+.
5. Number of Users - Multi-User switches range from smaller 4-user switches able to handle dozens of servers, to integrated keyboard, video, mouse switching systems capable of allowing hundreds of administrators to control thousands of servers.
6. CAT5 Switches - CAT5 switches dramatically reduce desktop and server rack cable clutter and allow users and computers to be situated farther apart than they could be using standard cables. CAT5 switches also scale much larger on both the user and system sides, providing additional flexibility as your organization grows.
7. Resolution and Performance - Resolutions vary by device; some IP switches provide a maximum of up to 1600X1200 at 60Hz over IP. If you have high resolution requirements, consider analog switches, as they provide a higher resolution than most digital KVM switches.
8. Support for Serial Devices - Some high-end enterprise solutions provide support for serial devices (routers, headless Unix, etc.).  Avocent and Raritan devices provide support for serial devices through the use of dongles. Rose Electronics’ devices provide serial support at the switch level and can support serial devices through coax cables.
9. Bandwidth - Bandwidth requirements will vary significantly depending on the graphic intensity of the application you are using. Most compression technologies use differentials, sending only the changes that appear on a screen to update the user screen.
10. Distance Requirements - The distance over which a user can access a server via KVM over IP is unlimited. The maximum distance with a CAT5 KVM extender varies. Some higher-end analog CAT5 extenders allow users to be up to 1,000 feet away from the servers.  For the greatest distances, consider Fiber Extenders which can extend access over distances of six miles or more.

Types of KVM Switch

• USB KVM - A Switch that uses USB cables for key board and mouse connections. Some USB switches will also allow PS/2 connections and some will allow sharing of other USB devices such as printers. Other things to look for in a USB KVM include ability to share audio and wireless keyboard/mouse connectivity.  Also remember to note which USB specification the switch supports.  
• DVI KVM - A switch for use with a DVI compatible monitor or monitors.  While the standard monitor connection is typically VGA,  DVI monitors are becoming more popular and widely available. DVI KVMs often have increased resolution capabilities
• HDMI KVM - A new emerging market for KVMs includes HDMI ready switches like the SmartAVI HKM-02S HDMI KVM.  As one might imagine, these switches are used for connecting HDMI compatible displays.  This is especially useful in the audio / visual production field, as well as medical professions where high resolution displays are required.  Another use for an HDMI switch is for home theater setups, where a tower and laptop might share a large High-Def television.
• DisplayPort KVM - Another new market is for switches which support DisplayPort technology.  With monitor manufacturers moving away from VGA and DVI-I interfaces, availability of switches like the Adder AV4PRO-DP-US DisplyPort KVM will become more important.
• Multi-Display KVM - A multi-display switch will allow for extended desktops across two or more displays.  Displays can be VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort and in some cases mixed input. the number of monitors can range from two to four and higher for specialty applications.
• Rack Consoles - Integrated display, keyboard and mouse/touchpad units for use in server racks, rack consoles will also often include an integrated KVM or IP KVM switch.  These space saving monitor drawers provide convenient access to servers right at the server cabinet.  One import consideration is the type of mounting rails used for the KVM drawer.  Not all rails will work in all server racks.
• KVM over IP - IP KVM switches use a browser to securely access servers/computers over the internet or LAN.  IP KVMs are an excellent replacement for software based remote access packages such as RDP and VNC. Depending on the particular model, benefits of a hardware remote access solution include the ability to cold boot equipment, BIOS level access, port level user profiles, and robust logging.
• Multi-User KVM - A multi-user switch will allow simultaneous access to the KVM by more than one user from multiple locations.  This is accomplished via KVM extension, KVM over IP or a combination of both. Multi-User switches are an excellent choice for enterprise applications where cross-platform switching is needed by multiple team members.