A KVM switch (KVM as an abbreviation for the keyboard, video and mouse) is a hardware device which allows a user to controller multiple computers from one or more set of keyboards, display monitors and mice. Usually small number of computers are connected to KVM switches to be controlled at any given time. Some KVM Switches also adds the ability to share usb devices and audio. ATEN Philippines offers basic to advance capabilities on KVM Switches.
KVM switches are often found in data centers where multiple servers are placed in a single rack. It can also be used by individuals at home, usually for multimedia purposes of having 2 or more PCs.
KVM Types
USB Hub Based KVM
Also called an Enumerated KVM switch, a connected/shared USB device must go through the full initiation process (USB enumeration) every time the KVM is switched to another target system/port. The switching to different ports is just as if you were to physically plug and unplug a USB device into your targeted system.
Emulated USB KVM
Dedicated USB console port(s) are assigned to emulate special sets of USB keyboard or mouse switching control information to each connected/targeted system. Emulated USB provides an instantaneous and reliable switching action that makes keyboard hotkeys and mouse switching possible. However, this class of KVM switch only uses generic emulations and consequently has only been able to support the most basic keyboard and mouse features.
Semi-DDM USB KVM
Dedicated USB console port(s) work with all USB-HID devices (including keyboard and mouse), but do not maintain the connected devices' presence to all of the targeted systems simultaneously. This class of KVM takes advantage of DDM (Dynamic Device Mapping) technology.
DDM USB KVM
Dedicated USB console port(s) work with all USB-HID devices (including keyboard and mouse) and maintain the connected devices special functions and characteristics to each connected/targeted system. This class of KVM switch overcomes the frustrating limitations of an Emulated USB Class KVM by emulating the true characters of the connected devices to all the computers simultaneously. This means that you can now use the extra function keys, wheels, buttons, and controls that are commonly found on modern keyboards and mice.
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| A KVM switch |
KVM switches are often found in data centers where multiple servers are placed in a single rack. It can also be used by individuals at home, usually for multimedia purposes of having 2 or more PCs.
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| A representation of how the KVM switch works |
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| ATEN KVM switch used by a multimedia user for her needs to switch between computers without much effort |
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| ATEN KVM switch can be used on businesses which uses a 2 or more computer for one user, as seen from the image above, an intranet & internet connected computer is switched by the use of a KVM |
KVM Types
USB Hub Based KVM
Also called an Enumerated KVM switch, a connected/shared USB device must go through the full initiation process (USB enumeration) every time the KVM is switched to another target system/port. The switching to different ports is just as if you were to physically plug and unplug a USB device into your targeted system.
Emulated USB KVM
Dedicated USB console port(s) are assigned to emulate special sets of USB keyboard or mouse switching control information to each connected/targeted system. Emulated USB provides an instantaneous and reliable switching action that makes keyboard hotkeys and mouse switching possible. However, this class of KVM switch only uses generic emulations and consequently has only been able to support the most basic keyboard and mouse features.
Semi-DDM USB KVM
Dedicated USB console port(s) work with all USB-HID devices (including keyboard and mouse), but do not maintain the connected devices' presence to all of the targeted systems simultaneously. This class of KVM takes advantage of DDM (Dynamic Device Mapping) technology.
DDM USB KVM
Dedicated USB console port(s) work with all USB-HID devices (including keyboard and mouse) and maintain the connected devices special functions and characteristics to each connected/targeted system. This class of KVM switch overcomes the frustrating limitations of an Emulated USB Class KVM by emulating the true characters of the connected devices to all the computers simultaneously. This means that you can now use the extra function keys, wheels, buttons, and controls that are commonly found on modern keyboards and mice.
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