What Is a KVM Switch Used For?

Overview of KVM Switch

A KVM switch is a piece of hardware that allows one set of peripherals (keyboard, video and mouse) to access and control numerous computers by merely adjusting a selector switch or pressing a hotkey. It's exceptionally handy in places like data centers where administrators need to quickly and conveniently access one or more of hundreds of servers.

KVM switches were first employed in the late 1980s with only keyboard and monitor inputs and outputs. Since then, KVM switch technology has advanced to include desktop KVM switches for professional and multimedia applications, rack-mounted KVM switches for data centers, KVM over IP switch technology for remote access and control, and KVM emulation software for low physical overhead.

Basic components of KVM Switch

A KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch is a hardware device used in information technology (IT) environments to enable users to control multiple computers or servers from a single set of peripherals (keyboard, monitor, and mouse). Essentially, it allows users to switch between different computers or servers without the need for additional peripherals. The basic components of a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch include:

• Console Ports: These are the ports where you connect your keyboard, video monitor, and mouse. Typically, they use standard connectors such as USB, PS/2, VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort, depending on the model of the KVM switch.

• Computer Ports: These ports are used to connect the computers or servers that you want to control with the KVM switch. Each computer connects to a dedicated port on the KVM switch. These ports also use standard connectors like USB, PS/2, VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort.

• Switching Mechanism: This is the mechanism that allows you to switch control between the connected computers. It can be in the form of physical buttons on the KVM switch, keyboard hotkeys, or a software interface.

• Power Supply: Many KVM switches require an external power supply to operate. This provides power to the switch itself and ensures proper functioning.

• Control Interface: Some KVM switches come with a control interface, which can be physical buttons or an on-screen display (OSD). This interface allows you to manually select the active computer or configure settings.

Functions of KVM Switch

The primary functions of a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch revolve around facilitating the control and management of multiple computers or servers from a single set of peripherals. Here are the key functions:

• Keyboard, Video, and Mouse Switching: The fundamental function of a KVM switch is to allow users to switch control between multiple computers or servers using a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse. This means that users can access and interact with different systems without physically connecting and disconnecting peripherals.

• Multi-Platform Support: KVM switches support various computer platforms, including PCs, Macs, Linux systems, and servers. They are designed to accommodate different types of connections and ensure compatibility across a range of devices.

• Hotkey Support: Many best KVM switches offer hotkey support, allowing users to switch between connected computers quickly by pressing a specific key combination on the keyboard. Hotkeys streamline the switching process, enhancing user efficiency.

• Peripheral Sharing: Some KVM switches feature USB peripheral sharing capabilities, enabling users to share USB devices such as printers, scanners, external storage drives, and other peripherals among connected computers. This eliminates the need for duplicating peripherals across multiple systems.

• Peripheral support: Some KVM switches support USB peripherals, for example, eliminating the need for separate USB hubs.

Advantages of KVM Switch

Usually, if you need to control multiple PCs or servers then you need to purchase several sets of keyboards, mice, and monitors. Perhaps your desk is big enough for 2 or even 4 computers, each with its own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. But what if you need to control 6 computers, or 8, or even tens of computers? In a server room application, having a console for each server would be extremely impractical because of how much rack space it would take up. This is not the most effective setup since it is space-consuming. What’s more, keeping a row of large monitors with keyboards and mice at one desk or in a server rack can create clutter and take up valuable space. Thus the KVM switch was "born" from the demands of saving space, costs, and increasing efficiency.

Thus, the key benefits of employing a KVM switch are:

• Multiple computer / server control: Users can have quick, easy access to 2, or even much more, PCs or servers from their keyboard, monitor, and mouse setup.

• Reducing clutter: Cutting down on the number of keyboards, monitors, and mice needed frees up desk space.

• Cost saving: Not needing to invest in extra computer equipment helps save you money.

• Space saving: Keep your desk clear, and save much-needed rack space in a server room.

• Peripheral support: Some KVM switches support USB peripherals, for example, eliminating the need for separate USB hubs.

Conclusion

To sum up, a KVM is a IT device that allows one to quickly and easily switch between multiple PCs or servers from a single console (keyboard, monitor, mouse setup) for greater efficiency, management, and both cost and space saving.Do you want to know more about us? FS offers a range of solutions for your business. Book a demo or sign up for a free trial.