What is the KVM switch?

KVM means "keyboard, video, mouse". The KVM switch connects one keyboard, one mouse, and one more computer video display. This allows users to control multiple computers using only one set of input and output devices. Sharing inputs and display can reduce the requirements for clutter and cabling to the desktop. The KVM switch may also include additional switching functions, for example for USB ports and sound.

The most common and least expensive KVM switch allows you to access two computers. However, the switches can be created to process as many computers as the user requires. If you want to switch between computers, the KVM switch may have a button or dial on the device itself. More sophisticated switches allow the user to switch computers using a keyboard shortcut, also known as hot key

typical use for the KVM switch is in networks with reserved servers. In everyday use, the server does not need user interaction, which will draw a dedicated monitor and keyboard unnecessaryé waste space, money and strength. In larger networks where servers can be mounted horizontally on large shelves, many servers can share one set of input and display devices via the KVM switch installed directly in the stand.

Recent development is a network KVM that requires no physical connection between the keyboard and the mouse outside the standard Ethernet network connection. This potentially allows one user to control hundreds or even thousands of computers from one access point. Wireless routers found in homes offer something similar: by inserting a web server into the router, it is available from virtually any network connection without required physical access to the router.

For consumers, the interest in the KVM switch was stimulated by the release of the Mac Mini Apple Computer. Mac Mini focused on Windows users was sold without keyboard or mouse, enabled re -user reLatively cheap way to try Macintosh.