The computers still have to have a direct connection from the computer to the KVM Switch, but the user that is controlling the computers does not need to be directly connected to the KVM Switch. The Dominion KX3-864 is a KVM-over-IP switch that allows 8 users to control up to 64 servers via a TCP/IP network and one person can control at the rack.Įach of these main four types of KVM switches also needs to support a variety of platforms and technologies. This can be on the company LAN or from across the world. These allow you to control your servers over any IP connection from any place at any time.

The digital KVM switch: Also known as a KVM over IP.

For example, the EZ-108 uses coax cables to connect to servers, and MCCAT18 uses Cat5 cables. The cables can be Coax or Cat5 depending on the switch.

The analog KVM switch: Analog KVM switches are operated by having a direct cable connection from the computer to the KVM Switch to the console.

The Paragon® II UMT1664 is a great example as it allows 16 users to access up to 64 servers.įrom an application and technology perspective, KVM switches can be divided into the following two types:

The multi-user KVM switch: This is used for larger installations and data centers that required several users to manage a number of computers or servers.

For instance, the MasterConsole® CAT MCCAT18 allows one person to access up to 8 servers. It allows a single person to access as many computers as they need to form a single console.

The single user KVM switch: This is usually an entry-level KVM switch for small installations such as for SOHO or remote office.

Here are the four categories of KVM switches.įrom a computer access and control perspective, the KVM switch can be categorized into two main types: And as computer technology continued to evolve, so did KVM switches which led to the development of a variety of types for different systems and applications. The first KVM switch was created as a testing tool for motherboard and production server quality tests, and only supported video and keyboard since the mouse hadn’t been invented at that time. Understanding the Four Categories of KVM SwitchesĪ KVM Switch is a hardware device that allows you to control multiple computers via a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse (KVM).

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