KVM Switching Over IP

A KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) Switch is used to connect a keyboard, monitor and mouse to multiple PCs. By using a KVM switch, both physical space and money are saved by not having a keyboard, monitor and mouse set up for each PC. When using a KVM switch, a single user can configure, manage and control multiple PCs. Some KVM switch configurations allow control for hundreds of PCs from a single keyboard, monitor and mouse set up.


(click the above diagram or here for KVM and video-related tips)

Until recently, KVM switches had to be in close physical proximity to the PCs they were attached to. As applications and business requirements changed, there became a need to control multiple PCs that were located far from the user. To solve this requirement, KVM design engineers looked to the IP protocol, which is the main protocol used for the Internet and World Wide Web. IP has proven itself as a scalable and reliable protocol with decades of wide spread deployment.



Today’s IP enabled KVM switches offer many advanced features, such as RS232 ports that can connect to RS232 enabled power strips, allowing power cycling of PCs from anywhere in the world. Additionally, KVM data packets are kept secure by using several different types of encryption methods, such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). By enabling the IP protocol in KVM switches, greater administrative flexibility and cost savings can now be realized when managing PCs across the globe.