Term of the Moment
crypto glossary
Definition: KVM switch
(1) See also KVM.
(2) (Keyboard Video Mouse switch) A device used to connect a keyboard, mouse and monitor to two or more computers. KVM switches are deployed to control a group of servers, as well as to save desktop space when multiple computers are used by one user. Switches have USB and monitor sockets or a combination cable that plugs into one socket on the switch.
The Traditional KVM Switch
KVM Extenders
IP KVM - Over the Internet
Regular Switches Can Be Used
(2) (Keyboard Video Mouse switch) A device used to connect a keyboard, mouse and monitor to two or more computers. KVM switches are deployed to control a group of servers, as well as to save desktop space when multiple computers are used by one user. Switches have USB and monitor sockets or a combination cable that plugs into one socket on the switch.
Keyboard, video (monitor) and mouse plug into the switch, which plugs into multiple computers.
KVM extenders can increase the distance to the computers by several hundred feet, even as much as 1,000 feet if Cat5 cables are used.
IP KVM software in the client PC converts keyboard, video and mouse signals into IP packets that are sent over the Internet or local network. At the receiving end, the IP KVM switch is cabled to the computers.
An IP-to-KVM device converts IP packets to the normal keyboard, video and mouse signals for the computers.