If you are fairly new to KVM switches or if an additional reference for certain KVM terms is needed, this guide will assist with deciphering KVM lingo.
Category 5
Also commonly referred to as CAT5, this type of cable is used for certain KVM technologies such as CAT5 KVM extension and CAT5 KVM switches. Category 5 cabling in itself consists of four twisted pairs of copper wire terminated by RJ45 connectors.
The Paragon II CAT5 KVM Switch was a first of its kind to introduce CAT5 cabling with KVM switch technology. CAT5 cabling separates user consoles and target computers away from each other within the Paragon II KVM architecture by using CAT5 cabling.
Computer Interface Module
A must when used with CAT5 KVM switches, this compact device connects to the target host keyboard, mouse and video monitor ports and converts the 3 signals to an RJ-45 or CAT5 connection. A single CAT5 cable carries the 3 computer signals to the KVM switch. A Computer Interface Module will often be referred to as a Dongle or CIM.
The Minicom Smart CAT5 8- and 16-port KVM switches provides multi-platform support for 4 types of computers. Minicom offers users the choice between, PS2, Sun, USB or serial interface modules.
Daisy-chain
Daisy-chain describes how 2 KVM switches connect together to gain additional computer ports.
Commonly used daisy-chain practices direct users to connect the user port of the secondary KVM switch to any of the main tier KVM computer ports.
DB-25
DB-25 is a type of connection used in the KVM industry to combine multiple peripheral cables into one.
For example, one end of a 3-in-1 KVM cable has 3 feeds – PS2, PS2, and VGA. The opposite end of the cable combines all 3 signals into one DB25 connection. This is done to simplify cable management and to ensure a constant connection to the KVM switch.
Digital Signage
Digital Signage is a product category that combines all video and audio applications into one subject matter. Digital Signage applications enable the delivery of compelling digital content throughout an environment. These dynamic messages can be delivered in a one to many, several to few or a combination of these models.
The Minicom Audio Visual Display System (AVDS) broadcasts both video and audio to hundreds of remote signage displays.
Dongle
See Computer Interface Module.
Flash Upgradeable
To update the internal KVM processors with new technology.
Flash upgrading KVM switches allows the latest and greatest high-tech computers to connect and communicate with the KVM switch.
Emulation
To provide constant connectivity between user console peripherals and the KVM switch. Port emulation ensures that a computer operating system thinks the mouse or keyboard is connected directly to the computer.
Keyboard and Mouse emulation is a main concern for most users because once emulation is lost, the computer will need to be rebooted in order to gain access to the target host.
Environmental Monitoring
Remote IP based server room devices monitor and report environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, audio, and video conditions.
NetBotz environmental monitoring products provide security for mission-critical data center equipment by reporting real-time environmental conditions to a web based application.
HD-15
Used for video applications, the HD15 connector has 15-pins arranged in three rows one on top of the other. HD15 is also known as a standard VGA connection.
Hot Key
Process in which multiple keyboard strokes are used to switch KVM from port to port.
A hotkey command to activate the OSD for the Minicom Smart CAT5 series commences with a SHIFT + SHIFT keystroke.
Hot Pluggable
Allows users to add or remove servers without powering down the KVM or other attached computers.
Dongle technology implemented with CAT5 KVM switches are hot-pluggable; meaning, once the Dongle is connected to the proper channels, the KVM switch can be turned off and on many times over without losing Keyboard, Video, and Mouse emulation to target computers.
Keep-Alive
A power safeguard feature that enables attached servers to power the KVM switch during power failures.
Computer Interface Modules (CIM) will provide keep-alive functionality if the CIM is connected to a target computer at all times. A CAT5 cable connecting the CIM to the CAT5 KVM switch can be unplugged and moved around at will if the CIM is connected to a computer. As long as the proper termination exists between the computer and CIM, the computer will remain in running order.
KVM over IP
KVM over IP remote access products allow users to control servers from a remote location.
The Avocent DSR2020 16-port KVM over IP switch provides two digital paths for simultaneous access to 16 computers. The DSR2020 allows users to remotely manage servers from anywhere in the world with Internet connectivity.
Multi-Platform
KVMs that emulate multiple operating systems – SUN, MAC, USB
The Raritan Paragon II CAT5 KVM Switch is a true multi-platform switch. This enterprise level KVM will emulate any computer signal with use of the matching multi-platform Computer Interface Module (CIM). The Raritan Paragon II KVM will also provide multi-platform support for the user console by allowing Sun, USB and PS2 peripherals to interface with the User Station.
OSD
On-Screen Display is the KVM switch internal menu system that allows users to name, select and control attached servers from an easy to use pop-up menu.
A keyboard hot-key will be needed in order to activate a KVM switch On Screen display. Users can cycle through the OSD to change ports or to assign user names and passwords for example.
Peripheral
A hardware component consisting of a keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, etc.
A User Station for the Raritan Paragon II Cat KVM switch category will accept multiple types of peripherals in order to classify the Paragon as a true multi-platform KVM switch. The User Station has connections for PS2, Sun, and USB peripherals.
PS2
PS2 (also MiniDin6) is a circular connection consisting of 6 pins. PS2 is primarily used for keyboard and mouse interfaces.
Port
A port is considered a connection point for target computers. For example, a 16-port KVM switch allows up to 16 computers to be connected to the KVM.
Port Scanning
Also called scanning, port scanning allows users to view multiple computers without touching a single key. When activated, the KVM switch automatically cycles through all or selected channels, displaying each computer’s video for a specified period of time.
Port scanning for the Minicom Smart 8-port KVM begins by activating the OSD with a SHIFT+SHIFT command. The OSD menu system will then direct users to the scanning option.
Rack-mountable
The ability to mount a KVM switch or rack accessory into a standard 19″ wide server cabinet by using mounting brackets.
Most KVM manufacturers will include rack mounting kits with the KVM switch. Please check with a KVM sales representative before ordering.
Rack Unit
A Rack Unit or Rack “U” is an EIA standard allowance unit for measuring rack mount equipment. One “Rack Unit” is equal to 1.75″ in height.
To calculate internal useable space of a rack enclosure, simply multiply the total amount of Rack Units by 1.75″. For example, a 44U rack enclosure would have 77″ of internal usable space (44 x 1.75).
Remote Reboot
Remote Reboot allows users to cold boot servers and other network accessories from anywhere in the world using an internet browser or telnet session.
The Server Technology Power Tower combines advanced reporting and managing for enterprise level data centers that require several ports of power management functionality. Combining the Power Tower XL and XM provides 32-ports of remote reboot, all manageable from one IP address.
USB
The Universal Serial Bus connection is primarily used for Keyboard and Mice peripherals in the KVM Industry.
Generally, USB devices can be connected or disconnected without the need to restart the computer or KVM switch.
User Console/Local Console
A user console consists of a Keyboard, Video Monitor and Mouse plugged into the user port on a KVM switch.
A User Station for the Paragon II KVM switch will accept multiple types of peripherals for the local console. PS2, USB or Sun connections are all supported giving users more freedom to use their preferred user console set.
Video Splitter
A video splitter allows users to split one VGA signal and display it on multiple monitors.
In addition to splitting multiple images from one, video splitters such as the Minicom VDS will provide video and audio extension over CAT5 cabling. Distance allowances vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, though, specifications for the VDS allows extension up to 360′ over CAT5 cabling.
Video Switch
Similar to KVM switch, a video switch receives 2 or more video inputs and projects one signal at a time to one video monitor.
The NTI Video Matrix Switch will enable multiple video input feeds to be displayed on multiple output monitors. This enables video signals from a range of input sources be displayed on various output devices, in essence creating a “matrix” pattern of interconnection possibilities.
Copyright 2005 by Directnet, Inc.
Robert Pavlokovic is an expert in the KVM and Server Management Industry and is the technical writer for server and data center management topics. He also has a strong background in product testing and evaluation. He writes professionally for 42U (www.42U.com), KVM Switches Online (www.kvm-switches-online.com), Server Racks Online (www.server-rack-online.com), DirectNET (www.directnet.us). He provides consultation on enterprise solutions for server management equipment and is also the lead product trainer. Robert Pavlokovic comes from a strong 3-year sales and engineering background for enterprise server management solutions.
