KVM Extenders - CAT5 & Fiber

Keyboard-Video-Mouse Range Extension Via CAT5, Fiber, or IP

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    Adder X-DVIPRO

    CATx KVM Extension Up To 164Ft
    DVI Resolution Up To 1920 x 1200
    Transparent USB & Audio Support
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    Adder X-DVIPRO 164ft DVI 1080P CAT5 / Fiber KVM Extender with USB & Audio
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    Adder X-USB-PRO

    CATx KVM Extension Up To 1000Ft
    VGA Resolution Up To 1920 x 1200
    Transparent USB & Audio Support
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    Adder X-USB-PRO 1000Ft VGA CAT5 KVM Extender - Transparent USB & Audio
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    Adder XD522 Dual Monitor DisplayPort CAT5 KVM Extender - 4K UHD up to 429ft

    Adder XD522

    Dual-Monitor DisplayPort KVM Extender
    Extend Video, Audio, & USB Up To 492Ft Via CATx
    Resolution Up To 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
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    NTI ST-C5USBV-300 VGA KVM Extender - VGA up to 300ft - Keyboard Mouse Emulation

    NTI ST-C5USBV-300

    300FT CATx KVM Extender Kit
    VGA Resolution Up To 1920x1440
    Keep-alive Keyboard/Mouse Emulation
    Optional Audio Version
  • Adder Infinity Multi-point KVM Extender solution Over IP - CATx (330Ft) & Fiber (6.2Mi)
    Adder Infinity 4000 T4KE CTRL icon

    Adder Infinity Solution

    High Performance Digital IP Extension / KVM Over IP Switch Matrix
    DVI, DisplayPort & VGA up to 4K 60Hz
    Build a Flexible Infrastructure With Unlimited Endpoints
    CATx (330Ft) & Fiber (6.2Mi) - Unlimited Distance Using IP
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    Icron 2304 (00-00347) 4 Port USB 2.0 Extender / Splitter

    Icron Ranger 2304

    4 Port USB 2.0 Extender / Splitter
    Extend 4 USB Inputs Up To 330Ft
    Plug & Play - No Drivers Required
    Transparent Extension - Works With Any Device
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    Avocent HMX5000 & HMX6000 CAT7 or Fiber Multipoint Extension Solution - Single or Dual-Monitor DVI, 1080P

    Avocent HMX 5000

    Cat7 or Fiber Multipoint Extension System
    Single Or Dual-Monitor DVI Up To 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz
    Supports Audio & USB with Calss Control
    Related HMX 6000 Also Supports VNC
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What is a KVM Extender?

A KVM extender is a device that allows secure user access to computing devices from a variety of distances. They are available in multiple configuration technologies and options to fit most every situation. Some of these options include, but are not limited to:

  1. Copper, Fiber, network and wireless connectivity medium
  2. VGA or DVI display support
  3. PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse support
  4. Audio pass through
  5. Microphone pass through
  6. USB hub for external USB device connection
  7. Dual head display stations
  8. Mac and SUN support

CAT5 Extender application diagram
Typical KVM extender application using the SmartAVI KDX200

KVM Extender Applications

USB Extenders can be useful in a variety of situations. In instances where security is a concern a KVM extender can remove the computing device from the end users location. In areas that are not computer friendly, such as industrial or manufacturing sites, the extender allows the computing device to be located in a clean safe environment. KVM extension devices are also valuable in situations where noise from the computing device is unacceptable such as broadcast booths. KVM extenders are also useful in retail and office situations in which the computing device is located in a back room or data center.

Our diverse product offerings of KVM extenders will address any of your needs; wireless KVM extenders will eliminate the need to run cabling but are limited in distance, while CAT5 (copper) extenders will grant you great video resolution, quality and more extension. In addition, our selection of DVI and Fiber extenders will provide longer extension, greater security and the highest resolutions. Networked extenders offer connectivity through a dedicated LAN segment and some models even offer KVM switching between computing devices.

Types of KVM Extenders

Analog KVM Extenders

Analog KVM Extenders are extenders that are connected locally to the input and output sources with a cable. Analog extenders come in three different types:

1. Cat5 KVM Extenders

Cat5 KVM Extenders are the most popular of the group since they offer the most flexibility and compatibility for the cost. If you need to extend your console less than 1,000' and can run Cat5 from your computer to your console then a Cat5 KVM Extender will be the best solution for you. You can use already existing Cat5 in your building as well to simplify the process. This cable can not be going through any hub or switch and has to be point-to-point. Manufacturers say the cable has to be from end to end without going through any patch panels but we have done installations where it has worked without any problems. If you are going through a patch panel make sure all the connections are correct and secure before proceeding. If you go through a patch panel and are having problems we will recommend trying it without a patch panel to see if the unit is still good.

With Cat5 KVM Extenders there are some that also offer to extend serial and audio devices. For most instances these are not necessary but there are instances where these options would be essential. For instance, if you work in a recording studio and need to have your console in a silent room you could put your Keyboard, Monitor, Mouse, Speakers and Microphone in the room with you and have your computer isolated in another room so the noise can not be heard. A great selection for this would be the Avocent LongView LV830-AM since it is a multimedia KVM Extender that also allows you to have a local console next to the computer in addition to being up to 500' away.

2. Fiber KVM Extenders

A Fiber Extender is a very niche product and the least common of all. They offer the benefits of offering great video quality and being able to do this at very long distance. The Fiber Extender can allow you to extend your console up to 10,000 meters or 6 Miles on only 2 strands of fiber. The majority of installations with Fiber Extenders are on campuses with fiber already laid and also in instances where security is of major concern and KVM Over IP is out of the question.

3. Coax KVM Extension

With Coax Extension Cables you can extend your Keyboard, Monitor and Mouse (generally no other peripherals are supported) up to 60' uses bonded KVM Cables. While these cables are much less expensive then the other KVM Extenders available the cables are much bulkier and more cumbersome to run than their counterparts. Another important note about these cables is that the possibility of video degradation is quite high going these distances. The general rule is you should not run a video cable that is longer than 30' or you should expect some video loss or ghosting.

Digital KVM Extenders

The most versatile extender is a Digital KVM Extender or KVM Over IP. Due to trademark issues there are many different terms that mean accessing your computer(s) over the internet. The most common term is KVM Over IP. Digital KVM Extenders allow you to access your computer over the internet with varying degrees of options and security. KVM Over IP can be used to access a single server or a whole data center depending on the unit you purchase. The category is too large to cover in one paragraph so that will be the topic of a later post.

KVM Over IP is generally used in Data Center or Server Room environments where they have a large number of servers to control or when there is a critical server that someone may need to access when they are not in the office. KVM Over IP is not geared towards the home user and the price reflects that.

Key thing to consider when buying a KVM Extender

The things to consider when purchasing a KVM extender include the following:

  1. Wired or wireless connectivity
  2. Distance of connection
  3. Type of wired technology – copper, fiber or networked
  4. Type of computing device
  5. PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse
  6. Type of display, be it VGA or DVI
  7. Required resolution
  8. Required number of user displays – dependent on model of KVM extender and dual head support of connected computer
  9. USB hub extension for peripheral USB devices
  10. Required audio and microphone capability
  11. Self powered or external power supply for extender

KVM Extender vs. Digital KVM Extender (KVM Over IP)

The general definition of a KVM Extender is a device that allows you to extend the distance between your console (Keyboard, Monitor, Mouse and other peripherals) and your computer. There are two main types of KVM Extenders: standard CATx/Fiber and a KVM Over IP.

KVM Extender Application

A standard CATx/Fiber KVM extender allows you to access a extend the distance between a local computer and a user console via a CATx or Fiber cable. Standard KVM extenders are great for local point-to-point or simple local point-to-multipoint applications but are limited in features, security, and access methods.

The most versatile extender is a Digital KVM extender / KVM Over IP extender. Digital KVM extenders allow you to access your computer or server over the internet with varying degrees of options and security. KVM Over IP can be used to access a single server or a whole data center. KVM Over IP is generally used in Data Center or Server Room environments where there is a large number of devices to control or when there are mission critical servers that need to be accessed out of the office.

If you have any questions about which extender solution would be the best for your application, please Contact Us.