KVM switches

When it requires controlling multiple computers from a single point by using a set of keyboard, video (monitor) and mouse it is necessary to install a KVM switch HDMI to perform the action conveniently. As you can understand from the name KVM is actually an acronym for the set of devices used for operating computers. In its early days when people were not aware of the mouse as computer hardware, KVM switches served as testing tools for production server quality tests and motherboard testing. As other technological inventions like USB, PS/2, Mac, and Sun came on to the scene, it resulted in a complete evolution in the manner of use of KVM switches that turned into important computer hardware. With time, KVM switches have acquired so much importance that many organizations consider it as the backbone of their technological infrastructure.

Types of KVM switches

All KVM switches are not alike, and quite a few varieties are available that can serve different purposes. The choice of KVM switch depends on the kind of goal you want to achieve. However, from the perspective of computer control and access, there are two broad options.
  • Single user switches – Single user KVM switches allow one person to access several computers and it provides an only single point or single user access.
  • Multi-user switches – As the name implies, multi-user KVM switches allow more than one user to access several computers like in very large organizations or installations where it is necessary to control computers and servers remotely. Typically, you will find a wide range of application of these switches in data centers.  From the technology and application perspective, another two types of KVM switches are available.
  • Digital KVM switches – When users want to control computers over IP connections, digital KVM switches are ideal. The switches are equally effective when used in a LAN environment and even for a standard internet connection that connects several computers.
  • Analog KVM switches – Analog KVM switches need cable connectivity between the computers you would like to control, and you must use Cat5 or Coax cable only to keep the computers, the console and the KVM switch connected.


The advantages of KVM switches

While centralized access to computers, servers, and workstations appears to be the most visible benefit of using KVM switches, there are much more to it than catches the eye. Increased productivity is a very big gain because the ease of accessibility greatly reduces computer downtime in remote locations as the IT staff can quickly attend to it. The faster response to breakdown ensures quick recovery in the event of a disaster that helps companies to maintain business continuity with the least downtime.

Quick access to the BIOS of computers is possible because of KVM switches that bring every computer within reach of the IT staff. Regardless of how far the computer might be actually located, diagnosis and repair/ recovery happen as if the IT staff has the device on the table in front of him.

KVM switches provide out of band access that no software-based remote access solutions can achieve.