A KVM extender is useful wherever you need to control a computer from a distance.

What is a KVM Extender?

KVM stands for keyboard, video (monitor), and mouse. A KVM extender allows you to work on a computer from a distance. It is usually a set of transmitter and receiver appliances. The transmitter unit is connected to the computer side, which captures the peripheral USB signals for the keyboard, mouse, audio, and video. These USB signals are extended to a remote user station where monitors, keyboards, and mice are connected to the receiver unit. By transporting these signals anywhere from 15 feet to several miles away from the computer system, a KVM extender effectively overcomes the distance limitation of HDMI, DisplayPort and USB cables.

What are the benefits of using a KVM extender?

A KVM extender is useful wherever you need to control a computer from a distance, probably for various purposes. When you need to work on more than one computer system, it can help optimize your desk space to employ KVM extension with switching solutions. Multiple computers can be controlled with just one set of keyboard, monitor and mouse. Considering user comfort and safety, the IT staff of a company may remove noisy PCs to a remote server room. With centralized management of equipment, securer and easier maintenance can be achieved.

Where are KVM extenders used?

KVM extenders can be widely used in various applications to enable remote PC access. The scenarios include industrial control rooms, military and defense command centers, airport management, transportation, emergency dispatch centers, post-production, broadcast, education, healthcare, etc.

Types of KVM Extenders

There are different kinds of KVM extenders that are capable of transmitting various signals, like VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort video signals, as well as USB, digital or analog audio, and serial signals like RS232. Depending on the different video signals they transmit, KVM extenders can be classified into HDMI KVM extenders, VGA KVM extenders, DisplayPort KVM extenders, etc. And based on different transmission mediums, KVM extension can work over CATx cabling, fiber optic cabling, or an IP network:

A CATx KVM extender can be your ideal choice when you need to extend HD video and peripheral signal up to 150m/490ft; CATx transmission is also the most cost-effective option.

An optical fiber KVM extender is perfect when you need to increase signal range (between buildings for instance), enhance network security for your applications, or transmit uncompressed high-bandwidth signals (4K60). It is also useful when your network configuration requires immunity from electrical interference.

A KVM over IP extender is preferred for applications where you need to establish connectivity across vast distances, or where scalability of the system is crucial (KVM switching). It is also preferable to extend over an existing LAN infrastructure or even the Internet.

Author: Shane

Source: https://www.avaccess.com/blogs/guides/remote-computer-access-with-kvm-extenders/