KVM Switches (Keyboard Video Mouse)

KVM Switches (Keyboard Video Mouse) - Cables

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
P783-006 Tripp Lite	DISPLAYPORT KVM CABLE KIT, 3 IN	501810
AK82002-R ASSMANN WSW Components	KVM CABLE FOR DC-12202-1 3METER	33
0SU51012 Tripp Lite	MINICOM PS/2 REMOTE UNIT	64
0SU51011 Tripp Lite	MINICOM USB REMOTE UNIT	0
4844 Adafruit	USB HOST SWITCHING CABLE - MINI	0
P783-006-DPU Tripp Lite	DISPLAYPORT KVM CABLE KIT - DP,	198600
B078-101-USB-8 Tripp Lite	MODULE INTERFACE USB CAT5E	24
500-198-R-ACC Maestro Wireless Solutions (Lantronix)	PS/2, LOCAL INPUT, STANDARD 21.6	1
P778-015 Tripp Lite	KVM SWITCH USB/PS2 CABLE 15FT	380
B055-001-UDP Tripp Lite	NETDIRECTOR DISPLAYPORT USB SERV	40100
P784-006 Tripp Lite	DVI KVM CABLE KIT, 3 IN 1 - DVI,	200510
P785-HKIT06 Tripp Lite	HDMI KVM CABLE KIT FOR TRIPP LIT	878
P783-006-DP Tripp Lite	DUAL DISPLAYPORT KVM CABLE KIT -	200600
0DT60002 Tripp Lite	MINICOM PS2 TO USB CONV	56710
P774-010 Tripp Lite	CABLE FOR PS/2 KVM SWITCH 10'	192
SLS200USB0-01 Maestro Wireless Solutions (Lantronix)	LANTRONIX SPIDER SLS200, 1 PORT	39
P780-015 Tripp Lite	KVM USB/PS2 CABLE KVMS 15'	61420
P750-006 Tripp Lite	CABLE FOR PS/2 KVM SWITCH 6'	460
P776-019 Tripp Lite	USB CABLE KIT FOR SWITCHES 19'	24175
P759-006 Tripp Lite	CABLE KIT SECURE KVM SWITCHES 6'	8220

KVM Switches (Keyboard Video Mouse) - Cables

1. Overview

KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switches and cables are hardware solutions enabling centralized control of multiple computers through a single interface. These systems support seamless switching between devices while maintaining signal integrity. Modern KVM solutions integrate advanced features like IP-based remote access, high-resolution video support, and secure data transmission, making them critical for data centers, broadcast facilities, and enterprise IT infrastructure.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Local KVM Switch	Direct physical connection, USB/PS2 interfaces, manual switching	Office desktop environments
IP KVM Switch	Network-based control, remote access via TCP/IP, encryption support	Data centers, remote server farms
Matrix KVM Switch	Multi-user support, bidirectional switching, scalability	Broadcast control rooms, command centers
Multi-Platform KVM	Supports different OS (Windows/Linux/Mac), mixed interface support	Enterprise IT departments
High-Resolution KVM	4K/8K video support, HDMI/DisplayPort interfaces	Medical imaging systems

3. Structure and Components

Typical KVM systems consist of:

Switching Unit: Contains microprocessor-based control circuitry and signal routing modules
Interface Modules: Hot-swappable ports for USB, HDMI, DVI, or legacy PS2 connections
Cable Assemblies: Shielded cables with integrated signal conditioning for video (VGA/HDMI/DP) and peripheral (USB 3.1/2.0) channels
Power Supply: Internal/external AC-DC converters with redundant options for enterprise models
Control Interface: Physical buttons, IR remote, or web-based GUI for management

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Video Bandwidth	Up to 18Gbps for 4K@60Hz support	Ensures high-quality visual transmission
Switching Latency	5-20ms for seamless operation	Critical for real-time applications
Peripheral Compatibility	USB 3.1 Gen2, PS2, serial interfaces	Supports diverse hardware ecosystems
Security Level	FIPS 140-2 encryption, physical isolation	Protects sensitive data environments
Operating Temperature	0 C to 50 C standard range	Affects reliability in industrial settings
Maximum Distance	10-150 meters (copper/fiber variants)	Determines deployment flexibility

5. Application Fields

Data Centers: Managing server racks with IP KVM over Ethernet
Education: Computer labs with multi-system access control
Healthcare: Diagnostic imaging systems requiring dual-computer access
Finance: Trading floors needing low-latency switching between systems
Manufacturing: Industrial control systems with isolated network access

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Flagship Product	Key Features
ATEN	VM1600 Series	16-port IP KVM with 4K video support
Raritan	Paragon II	Scalable matrix solution with role-based access
Tripp Lite	B022-USB-IP	USB-over-IP extension with KVM capabilities
Black Box	Avocent DX Series	Enterprise-level secure KVM with auditing
Icron	Ranger USB 3.0	Long-distance USB 3.1 over fiber

7. Selection Guide

Key considerations:

Determine required number of ports with scalability options
Verify interface compatibility (HDMI 2.1/USB-C/legacy ports)
Assess resolution requirements (4K vs 1080p)
Evaluate security needs (air-gap isolation vs encrypted IP)
Consider cable management requirements
Factor in environmental conditions (temperature, EMI exposure)
Calculate total cost of ownership (cabling infrastructure, maintenance)

8. Industry Trends

Future developments include:

Convergence with SDN (Software-Defined Networking) for dynamic resource allocation
Integration of AI-powered switching automation
Adoption of USB4 and Thunderbolt protocols for higher bandwidth
Increased focus on cybersecurity certifications (Common Criteria EAL4+)
Wireless KVM solutions using 60GHz mmWave technology
Cloud-managed KVM systems via SaaS platforms