Hello, I am Rose. Welcome back to the new post today. KVM stands for keyboard, video and mouse. The so-called KVM is also called a multi-computer controller, and the official name is a multi-computer switch. A KVM switch is a hardware device that allows users to control 2, 4, 8, 16, or even more than 4096 computer hosts through a set of keyboards, video monitors, and mice.

Ⅰ. What is KVM Switch?

Definition of KVM Switch

KVM stands for keyboard, video, and mouse. The so-called KVM is also called a multi-computer controller, and the official name is a multi-computer switch. A KVM switch is a hardware device that allows users to control 2, 4, 8, 16, or even more than 4096 computer hosts through a set of keyboards, video monitors, and mice. This means that only one person can interact with all computers, and of course only one at a time. In addition to saving the overhead of multiple keyboards and monitors, the switcher can also free up more desktop space. More importantly, KVM is equivalent to a notebook that can be fixed in the cabinet. It can be folded and shrunk back into the cabinet. It has only 1U of space. It is very convenient to manage and can also realize remote access. It is very suitable for the management of multiple servers in the computer room.

This is a KVM over IP solution. This is useful if the server settings are located off-site and you don’t want to drive there every time you need to make changes. These switches will be assigned an IP address and use the correct user from anywhere in the world Name and password for access.

Another thing to note is that although both KVM switches and Gigabit Ethernet switches can control multiple computers or servers, they are different devices.

A KVM switch is usually considered a hardware device. It is popular when people upgrade their computer system or add a new computer but don’t want to invest in a second keyboard, monitor, and mouse, while the Ethernet switch is considered a central hub. Usually, it is connected to every computer or network device in the Ethernet.

Therefore, they are two different devices with different functions.

The Function of KVM Switch

The field of KVM has also been extended to serial devices, such as hubs, routers, storage devices, and UPS. The sophisticated KVM allows multiple users to access thousands of servers and network devices at any place and at any time. Moreover, functions such as event logging, remote power management, multi-level user rights security management, environmental warning system, Cat5e cables, and other functions help IT managers safely manage their daily operations from any place they want. Allows you to easily access, monitor, and manage all your IT equipment. Call it Omni-directional data center management.

The KVM switch uses CAT5 / 5e/6 cables to connect to the server, supports a local user and a remote user to operate multiple servers at the same time anywhere in the world, and supports the sharing of resources for local channel and digital channel quality inspection. The flexibility of the KVM switch is sufficient to meet the needs of any home office, small and medium-sized enterprise, small and medium-sized computer room, and other multi-computer and multi-server applications.

The Advantages of KVM Switch

①It can save the space of the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. For example, an 8-way KVM switch can control 8 servers with a set of mouse, keyboard, and monitor.

②Improve operation efficiency. In the past, when a fault occurred, people needed to actively look for it when looking for it, which not only took time and energy but also was inefficient. Now a KVM switch can control all machines, which not only saves manpower but also improves efficiency.

③Save cost. Reducing the consumption of space and manpower can save a lot of costs, and controlling network operating costs is one of the key factors for business success.

④ Local or remote management. The use of KVM switches for local or remote management can ensure the uninterrupted management and maintenance of the network 24 hours a day, and ensure the security and stability of the network.

Ⅱ. How does KVM Switch Work?

We have a good understanding of what is a KVM switch. It can control more than two or more (more than 500) computers. Users can use Cat5 cables or specific KVM cable kits to connect the computers to the KVM switch, and then connect the keyboard, monitor, and mouse console to the KVM switch. If the switch is equipped with a console, you can skip this step.

Now users can switch from one computer to another using button on the keyboard, on-screen display controls, or hotkeys.

The KVM switch is mainly used to securely access computers, servers, and other equipment from local users or remote users through a console composed of a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, and can control local or remote users using the network.

Ⅲ. How to Use KVM Switch?

Using methods:

The switching methods of KVM switches are generally: button switching, OSD menu switching, and shortcut key switching.

①The button switch uses the physical buttons on the KVM, and you can select the corresponding server by directly pressing the physical button.

②The OSD menu is the software inside the KVM. You can use the mouse to select the corresponding server to switch according to the server name displayed on the menu.

③The shortcut key is generally a combination of keys, such as Ctrl and a certain data key, four servers, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Choose Ctrl+1 to select the first server, which is simple and convenient.

The Scope of Application of KVM Switch:

The KVM switch uses CAT5 / 5e/6 cables to connect to the server, supports a local user and a remote user to operate multiple servers at the same time anywhere in the world, and supports the sharing of resources for local channel and digital channel quality inspection. The flexibility of the KVM switch is sufficient to meet the needs of any home office, small and medium-sized enterprise, small and medium-sized computer room and other multi-computer and multi-server applications.

Comparison of KVM switch and KVM optical transceiver/virtual machine

(1) The difference between KVM switch and KVM optical transceiver

KVM optical transceiver is composed of KVM transmitter and KVM receiver, and is mainly used for signal transmission in multimedia application systems. The KVM switch is mainly used to monitor and manage multiple computers and multiple servers. There is a big difference in the nature of the two.

(2) The difference between KVM switch and KVM virtual machine

KVM switch is a kind of hardware switching device, KVM is the abbreviation of Keyboard Video Mouse. The KVM virtual machine is a commonly used virtual machine under the Linux system. It is the abbreviation of Kernel-based Virtual Machine and is an open-source system virtualization module.

Ⅳ. Common Faults and Solutions of KVM Switch

Fault 1. The KVM switch cannot work normally when it is connected to the KVM switch for the first time.

solution:

1. Disconnect the power input, monitor, keyboard, and mouse of the KVM switch;

2. Disconnect all KVM signal wires connected to the KVM switch;

3. Disconnect all KVM signal cables connected to the server (PC), especially pay attention to disconnecting the USB or PS2 interface;

4. Ensure that the monitor, keyboard, and mouse can work normally, and ensure that the monitor, keyboard, and mouse are correctly connected to the Console end of the KVM switch;

5. Turn on the power of the KVM switch and supply power to the KVM switch. At this time, you will hear the boot sound of the buzzer, and the KVM will pop up the user name and password input window;

6. Enter the correct user name and password, and the KVM system will pop up the OSD main menu;

7. Check whether the switch can switch ports normally;

8. Connect a server (PC) to port 1 of the KVM switch with a KVM signal cable, and check whether the KVM switch can be switched normally and whether the keyboard, mouse, and display of the server (PC) are normal. If it still does not work, you can try to restart the server (PC);

9. After ensuring the successful completion of the previous 8 steps, gradually increase the server (PC) until the requirements are met.

Fault 2: The user name and password window do not display or display abnormally.

solution:

1. Check whether the DC 12V power adapter has output.

2. When turning on, whether there is a beeping prompt to turn on, and whether the LED light of the keypad is on.

3. Check whether the power of the display is turned on and whether the signal cable of the display has been connected to the CONSOLE end of the switch.

Fault 3. Cannot log in to the KVM system after booting.

solution:

1. Confirm whether the USB or PS/2 keyboard can be used normally.

2. Re-plug the USB or PS/2 keyboard, the three indicators on the keyboard will flash once.

3. The user name or password is not entered correctly, the initial default value is empty, and press Enter to enter.

Fault 4. After logging into the system, it is found that there are KVM ports that cannot be switched.

solution:

Bring up the OSD main menu and check the user name in the upper left corner to see if the administrator has blocked the user's port authority.

Fault five, the screen of the LCD KVM is black.

solution:

Check whether the front rail has been pulled out.

Operation method:

1. Push the front panel button to the left and pull the KVM control platform completely out of the cabinet. The guide rail will be automatically locked and the KVM power supply will be automatically turned on;

2. Check whether the power switch has been turned on;

3. Check whether the POWER indicator light is off (if it is off, it may be because the power indicator light is broken or the circuit board is faulty);

4. The screen is damaged (maybe the dot screen cable is not connected or damaged, the connecting rod signal cable is damaged, or the A/D is damaged).

Fault 6, the server (PC) display picture quality is relatively poor.

solution:

1. Check whether the signal line has been connected properly.

2. Reset the display settings of the monitor.

Ⅴ. What Type of KVM Switch do I Need?

Designed to meet the needs of various end-users, there are quite a few KVM switches on the market to choose from. Before buying, you should consider:

How many computers do I need to control?

What type of KVM switch do I need?

Do I need a screen display?

When a large number of computers or servers are involved, it is an ideal tool to save time and effort.