In brief, KVM Switch is a device that allows you to control multiple computers from a single keyboard (K), video monitor (V) and mouse console (M).
Server Management
The remote access of network equipment is an especially useful benefit for network administrators who can’t be tethered to the data center. Whether you’re in the next room or halfway around the world, you’ll be able to access your servers through a standard Web browser or multi-platform client software. KVM over IP Switches provide secure BIOS-level remote access of servers and other network devices to help you solve complex problems efficiently and restore service before downtime hurts productivity. Multi-user KVMs allow concurrent multiple, users to access connected servers through a single gateway.
Medical application
Patients’ vital statistics need to be monitored frequently. Remote terminals connected via KVM Switches allow nurses to convenient patient’s vitals anywhere on the hospital’s floor. Another medical application of KVM switches is the sharing of medical images at multiple locations.
Industrial application
Industrial applications of KVM Switches are as much about saving space and improving efficiency as they are about environmental control. Paper mills are dirty and dusty environments not conductive for sensitive computer equipment. To deal with this environment, computers intro contracted Switches enable the remote monitoring of many production processes. The semi-conductor industry uses KVM Switches to ensure that dust-collecting computer equipment does not contaminate the clean, sterile environment required in a fab plant.
Aviation industry application
In the commercial aviation industry, air traffic control towers use KVM Switches to not only save space, but also to provide system redundancy to mission critical applications. They are used to quickly access a backup system enabled via KVM on the controller’s desk in the event of a failure of a primary system.
Military application
In the military/defense industry, NIAP-certified KVM Switches are used to provide secure and reliable access for desktop environments that require security by providing safe switching between computers operating on different networks. In this type of KVM, hardware security is provided by tamper evident tape, chassis intrusion detection and tamper-proof hardware, while software security is provided by restricted USB connectivity. An isolated channel per port makes it impossible for data to be transferred between secure and unsecured computers. By combining physical security with USB secure KVM Switches consolidate multiple workstations of various security classification levels with one keyboard, monitor and mouse (KVM) console.