You’re in Control Anywhere
By Jennifer Guhl ( Systems Contractor News )
With IP-based solutions and integrated multiviewers, KVM technology moves beyond the control room.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Whether 200 feet or 500 miles away, KVM switches enable users to operate a computer regardless of location, allowing the user to control and interact with it as if it were sitting beside them. By embracing AV-over-IP-based KVM systems, also known as KVM-over-IP, manufacturers can combine KVM switches with KVM extensions to manage thousands of designs for longer distances, providing clients with quick and easy access like never before.
John Hickey (Image credit: Black Box)
“Even though KVM stands for keyboard, video, mouse, it can control any USB device—thumb drive headsets, printers, card readers, among others—and legacy serial control devices as well,” said John Hickey, senior director, KVM Business, Black Box Corporation. Along with typical Human Interface Devices
(HID) such as keyboard and mouse, auxiliary signals such as analog or digital audio, RS-232/422, and legacy PS/2 devices can also be transmitted.
Embrace the Internet
Often, KVM-based systems digitize the signal and transmit it via copper Cat 6 cable or singlemode or multimode fiber options. “Copper connections normally allow transmission between an extender [endpoint] and switch up to 140 meters,” said Dan Holland, marketing manager for IHSE USA, LLC. “When connections are made with fiber, then transmission lengths can reach up to 400 meters [1,300 feet] with multimode and up to 10 km [32,800 feet] with singlemode fiber.” Standard desktop KVM switches, using standard cabling, have distance limitations roughly between 33-100 feet.
Jon W. Litt (Image credit: G&D North America)
KVM matrix switches let you operate several computers via various consoles. “The system consists of three components,” explained Jon W. Litt, managing director of G&D North America. “A central module connecting
user consoles and computers, computer modules transmitting signals from computers to the matrix and, lastly, console modules for connecting the consoles on which the operators work.”
The pandemic increased network demands to support a new reliance on remote work. KVM-over-IP systems allow users to connect with servers via LAN/WAN or the internet.
“Today, IP-based KVM systems enable remote workers to connect to key systems from home and operators working in a broadcast or network operations center to control equipment inside OB vans across the country remotely,” said Hickey. “While these and similar remote workflows addressed travel restrictions and distancing requirements as the pandemic peaked, they continue to reduce costs and travel time for media organizations and production teams.”
Source: https://www.avnetwork.com/news/youre-in-control-anywhere