Switching to the future with intelligent consoles
 
AThe ultimate dream of every administrator is controlling a large number of servers without leaving his office and his cup of coffee.The hardware solution already exists: KVM - switch, short for keyboard, video, mouse switch, an intelligent console that allows access to multiple computers from a single console. Before the development of KVM - switches, the only way to control multiple computers from a single console was software based, through a complex and costly network.


Various types of KVM - switches in different price ranges are offered by several manufactures worldwide. The Taiwanese manufacturer ATEN has over 20 years of experience in the field of connectivity, and is also the only one offering KVM-switches ranging from the small office home office ( SOHO ) environment to high - end enterprise level products such as matrix KVM - switches to control up to 4096 computers or IP based switches to control a large number of servers over the internet.


Easy installation of KVM - switches
  The setup is fast and easy; plugging cables into the appropriate ports is all that is required. There is no software to configure, so there is no need to get involved in complex software installation routines or be concerned with incompatibility problems. Shown is a PS/2 cable.Each end plugs into the appropriate peripheral: keyboard, mouse and video ports of the computer.
 
 
 Picture PS/2 cable
 
In most cases cables are suitable only for one particular switch box and are included in thepackage. They are generally special cables that transmit signals between the monitor, PS/2,sound and USB devices.
As usual, the individual plugs at one end of the connection cable are inserted into the corresponding jacks on the PC ( VGA, PS/2 or USB ) while the other end is connected to the KVM box.

  
 
 Pictures CS-1732 Picture PS/2 cable
 
The monitor and input devices, such as keyboard and mouse, are connected directly to the switch and then serve as either output or input devices for all client PCs. If the KVM - switch also supports the
transmission of USB and audio signals, then the corresponding hardware can be connected directly to the switch box as well. Once you have properly connected the cables to all computers, you can switch back and forth between the individual client computers
using the switch box.

Can an advanced user actually live without a KVM - switch in the future Not really.Withoutusing a KVM - switch, the user needs to plug off all cables and connect the monitor, keyboard and mouse with the other computer which is very time consuming.

  
KVM - Switches for Enterprises
  As the demand for dependable remote access to servers and KVM installations steadily increases, ATEN offers an IP based remote server management device called CN-6000 ( KVM on the Net ) since November 2003 that is satisfying the needs by saving time, reducing travel costs, and ensuring 100% uptime. The CN-6000' s browser-based client software works with all operating platforms and allows the user to connect from anywhere on the Internet. This IP based solution is an optimal choice for companies such as insurances, banks and governmental institutions which face many administrative challenges of their server systems closely connected to the widespread geographic distribution of their branch and remote offices.


With the new Matrix KVM Switch KM0432 Aten represents the most practical method for controlling large numbers of computers for continually expanding enterprises such as network providers, power suppliers but also larger hospitals who need new and reliable multiple console access to all computers spread all over the medical facility. ATEN's innovative design supports up to 4096 computers by daisy chaining multiple KM0432 together while also cascading multiple 8 or 16 port KVM switches from each KM0432 unit. By daisy chaining and cascading in tandem, this generates an exponentially high number of computers which ATEN has skillfully organized into segments across the installation for optimal administrative efficiency. The new Matrix KVM Switch enables enterprises to decrease the number of administrators, as well as the volume of equipment within the server room based on their immediate needs.
 
About the KVM Switch
KVM (Keyboard, Video and Mouse) switches are control units that allow access to multiple computers from a single console. Before the development of KVM switches, the only way to control multiple computers from a single console was through a complex and costly network. Now, with the KVM switch, people can easily access multiple computers or platforms (from 2 to up to 4096) in a convenient, space saving and cost effective manner.


About ATEN


Established in 1979, ATEN International CO. Ltd. is a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of cutting edge connectivity solutions for the IT industry and its computer users. Dedicated to the mission, "Contributing Knowledge - Creating the Future", ATEN provides customers with the most efficient, reliable, and user-friendly connectivity products to be found anywhere in the market. As competition within the connectivity market expands to meet the growing demand of businesses wanting to upgrade their PC and server management methods, ATEN continues to stay ahead. In addition to KVM switches, ATEN provides a diversified line-up of hundreds of data communication products, such as switch boxes, video splitters, interface converters, networking products, and IEEE 1394 connectivity products.


ATEN International distributes to the world connectivity market with offices in Taiwan, China, Belgium, Canada and the U.S. For more information, please visit: http://www.aten.com