Saving Space: 4 Port KVM Switches

Features Table

Test Procedure

Systems 1 and 2 were connected with the first two connections on the KVM box. The notebook served as the fourth PC on the 4-port KVM switch. The third client connection remained free so that the operation during manual switchover and in autoscan mode could be gauged. Because most KVM switches work without a separate power unit, various keyboards were used, some of which are illuminated and require various amounts of power.

The boxes were rated according to the following criteria:

1. The functionality of the KVM box serves as the basis for evaluation, as well as the accessories included in the package (cables and user manual). Particular consideration is given to how easy it was to switch between the individual clients.
2. Concerning the selection of individual test platforms, there should be an appropriate button on the device that can control the individual systems directly. The KVM box should emit an acoustic confirmation signal.
3. Switchover must also be possible with a key combination on the connected keyboard. Furthermore, autoscan mode should support various time intervals. The more setting options, the better. Extra points are given for other functions, such as on-screen display and the ability to choose between various key combinations to switch over.
4. If the tested KVM switch supports USB input devices, then no new recognition of the mouse and keyboard should take place in Windows XP when switching over. Strong fluctuations in the CPU load in the Task Manager should not occur, and NASCAR Thunder TM 2004 should run completely smoothly.
5. When connecting the client computer cable, all cables should lead out from the KVM box in one direction and should not waste unnecessarily large amounts of space. Likewise, the cables should be bundled and not exist as individual video, PS/2, sound and USB cables. They should not be less than 1.8 meters long. It must be possible to screw the video signal connection cable to the KVM switch.