KVM Switches, KVM Extenders, Console Servers, PDUs

Overview: The EZswitch 8- and 16-port combo KVM switches connect to computers via PS/2 and/or USB plugs and supports Windows , Linux , Mac  OS9/OSX and Sun  Microsystems OSs. Easy to use and very flexible, EZswitch offers: An On-Screen-Display (OSD) with intuitive menus for quick and effective navigation Cascade chain functions, which can control up to 4096 PCs (16-port) from a single console. Your cascaded units do not need special configuration. Auto scan video for effortless monitoring. EZswitch is hot-pluggable, allowing you to switch between connected devices easily and it supports video resolutions up to 2048 x 1536. A 1U unit, it is also rack mountable (standard 19” rack).

Overview: The CS1708A KVM switch is a control unit that allows access to multiple computers from a single PS/2 or USB console (keyboard, mouse, and monitor). A single CS1708A can control up to 8 computers. As many as 31 additional switches can be daisy-chained to each other, so that up to 256 computers can all be controlled from a single keyboard-monitor-mouse console. Additionally, a front panel USB port is available for each computer to access any peripherals connected to it on a one-at-a-time basis.

Features

*One USB-PS/2 console controls up to 8 computers *Daisy-chain up to 31 additional units - control up to 256 computers from a single console *Front accessible USB port allows each computer to access USB peripherals * *Dual Interface - supports computers and console with PS/2 or USB keyboards and mice *Multiplatform support - Windows, Linux, Mac and Sun *Video DynaSync™ - stores the console monitor's EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) to optimize display resolution *Supports USB keyboards for PC, Mac and Sun *Auto PS/2 and USB interface detection *USB / PS/2 keyboard and mouse emulation - computers boot even when the console focus is elsewhere *Superior video quality - up to 2048 x 1536; DDC2B *No software required - convenient computer selection via front panel pushbuttons, hotkeys and multilingual on-screen display (OSD) menus *Auto-senses station's position on daisy-chained installations; no need for manual dip switch setting; front panel led indicates station's position *Port names automatically reconfigured when station sequence is changed *Two level password security; only authorized users view and control computers; up to four users and an administrator with separate profiles for each *Auto Scan feature for monitoring user-selected computers *Broadcast Mode - operation simultaneously performed on all selected computers... etc *Hot pluggable - add or remove computers without having to power down the switch *Buzzer on/off via hotkey and OSD *Firmware upgrades to all the chained KVM switch at the same time via the daisy-chain cable *Rack mountable in 19" system rack (1U) * The USB peripheral function only works with USB cable set connections. It will not work with PS/2 cable set connections.

USB: A switch that uses USB cables for keyboard and mouse connections. Some USB switches will also allow PS/2 connections and some will allow sharing of other USB devices such as printers. Other things to look for in a USB switch include ability to share audio and wireless keyboard/mouse connectivity. Also remember to note which USB specification the switch supports. DVI: (Digital Visual Interface) – A switch for use with a DVI compatible monitor or monitors. While the standard monitor connection is typically VGA, DVI monitors are becoming more popular and widely available. DVI switches often have increased resolution capabilities HDMI: (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) – A new emerging market for KVMs includes HDMI ready switches. These switches are used for connecting HDMI compatible displays. This is especially useful in the audio/visual production field, as well as medical professions where high resolution displays are required. Another use for an HDMI KVM switch is for home theatre setups, where a tower and laptop might share a large High-Definition television. Display Port: Another new market is for switches which support DisplayPort technology. With monitor manufacturers moving away from VGA and DVI-I interface; availability will become more important. Multi-Display: A multi-display switch will allow for extended desktops across two or more displays. Displays can be VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort and in some cases mixed input. The number of monitors can range from two to four and higher for specialty applications. Rack Consoles: Integrated display, keyboard and mouse/touchpad units for use in server racks, rack consoles will also often include an integrated switch. These space-saving monitor drawers provide convenient access to servers right at the server cabinet. One important consideration is the type of mounting rails used for the LCD drawer. Not all rails will work in all server racks. KVM-over-IP: IP switches use a browser to securely access servers/computers over the internet or Local Area Network. IP KVMs are a good replacement for software based remote access packages such as RDP and VNC. Depending on the particular model, benefits of a hardware remote access solution include the ability to cold boot equipment, BIOS level access, port level user profiles, and robust logging. Multi-User: A multi-user switch will allow simultaneous access to the switch by more than one user from multiple locations. This is accomplished via extension, Over-IP access or a combination of both. Multi-user switches are an excellent choice for enterprise applications where cross-platform switching is needed by multiple team members.