Black Box KV3004A, KV3304A, KV3404A Appendix A. What is True Emulation?, Enumerated USB switching

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ServSwitch Wizard VGA (USB)

Appendix A. What is True Emulation?

True Emulation represents a significant breakthrough in sharing USB devices between two or more computer systems. Until this point, the problem has been how to create a USB switch that provides all of the following:

•Quick, transparent and reliable switching,

•Accurate representation of the connected USB keyboard and mouse,

•Switching control via the connected USB keyboard and/or mouse.

The difficulty in achieving all of the above requirements has been due to the complexity of the USB standard. This has led to vari- ous problems that have spawned a number of possible solutions.

A.1 Enumerated USB switching

The earliest attempts to switch USB devices applied a relatively ‘hands off’ approach. Enumerated USB switches are the electronic equivalent of those old mechanical KVM switches with a large knob on the front.

Enumerated switches are so called because a connected USB device will be required to perform a full initiation (a process called Enumeration) every time it is switched; just as if you had pulled out the plug and then reconnected it.

Enumerated switches simply pass all signals straight through between the USB device and the computer, they do not attempt to interpret any data. For most devices, this offers an advantage because the switch just leaves them to get on with their jobs with- out any interference or any hit on performance. However, it means that a USB keyboard or mouse cannot be used to control the switching process - a quick and simple control method expected by most users. Reliability of switching is also an issue that has plagued enumerated switches, especially when used with certain USB devices and particular operating systems.

A.2 Emulated USB switching

The issues with interpreting the complex USB data streams and recreating (or Emulating) the identity of attached USB devices were eventually solved, leading to the creation of the Emulated USB switch.

A neat side effect of the technique used is that each computer can be fooled into thinking that the USB device is permanently connected to it, even when the device is switched to another computer. This means that the enumeration process for the USB device takes place only once, during the first power on. After that, a computer merely sees a dormant version of the USB device whenever the device is actually connected to a different computer.

However, it remains a complex task to dynamically assume the identity of a USB device, distribute it among the connected com- puters and maintain all of the necessary signals, states and processes. Therefore, manufacturers have previously relied upon a fixed keyboard and mouse profile that is declared to each computer, regardless of the actual connected devices. This precluded the use of any special keyboard or mouse features over and above the standard layouts.

A.3 True Emulation

Mindful of the limitations associated with the previous USB switching techniques, we set about creating a more effective and ele- gant solution. After a great deal of research and development, True Emulation is the result.

True Emulation allows the complete identity of the keyboard and mouse to be copied and then presented to all of the connected computers. This means that any keyboard offering specialist function keys or any mouse with extra features will be fully supported at each computer. As with the previous emulation method, the unselected computers will continue to see the identities of the keyboard and mouse, which means that no enumeration is necessary when their link becomes active once again. This not only helps to speed up the rate of reconnection, but also raises the reliability of switching because USB links are at their most vulnera- ble during the enumeration process.

True Emulation relies upon a high speed circuit, called an Emulation Engine, to fully emulate the USB device identities and also interpret keyboard and mouse data streams. The result is full support for KVM switching control via hotkey presses or the third button/scroll wheel of a mouse.

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Contents ServSwitch Wizard VGA USB ServSwitch Wizard VGA USB Trademarks Used in this ManualFCC and IC RFI Statements ServSwitch Wizard VGA USB Table of Contents Specifications Overview Overview IntroductionFeatures What‘s IncludedAdditional Items You May Need Number Component Description Rear Panel Front panel Front panel components Computer to be switched to up to four video monitors Installation Installation MountingRack brackets KV3004A model only Connections User consoleTo connect peripherals to the user console Connecting speakers to the user console Computer systems To connect a computer systemConsole User Power in connection To connect the power supplyChannel switching by external control To connect a computer or device for remote controlOptions port pinout Serial port parameter settings Control by RS-232 serialControl by channel select input lines Serial port channel selection codesSynchronizing multiple units 15. Connections for synchronizing two unitsUsing stored Edid information only Managing Edid video display informationRefreshing Edid information during use Configuration Configuration Using the Configuration MenuTo use the configuration menu To exit the configuration menu and save changesEnter the Switch Mode menu Enable mouse switching defaultDisable mouse switching Enter the User Preferences menuGeneral configuration 4.2.1 Changing hotkeys Mouse switchingOptions port speed Switching mode To set the default switching modeOptions port channel control behavior To define the Options port behaviorTo reset configuration to factory defaults To set a new passwordMiscellaneous functions To refresh Edid information from the monitorPerforming upgrades Items required to perform an upgradeTo use the KVM Firmware Uploader utility Issues to consider when performing flash upgrades Selecting a computer using the front panel To select a computer using the front panelOperation Selecting a computer Selecting a computer using hotkeys OperationTo use standard hotkey press combinations Selects channelSelecting a computer using the mouse buttons To select a computer using the mouse buttonsTo use additional hotkey press combinations Locking access to the computers To cancel the passwordIf you forget the password To lock the unitTo select an autoscan mode AutoscanningTo select an autoscan period To choose 5 minutesTo start autoscanning To stop autoscanningAppendix A. What is True Emulation? Enumerated USB switchingEmulated USB switching True EmulationAppendices Appendix B. Default Edid video modes Serial remote control and flash upgrade cable 8p8c Serial remote control and flash upgrade cable 10p10cAppendix C. Cable pin-outs Multi-head synchronization cable 8p8cAppendix D. Safety information Black Box Tech Support FREE! Live /7 About Black Box

Black Box ServSwitch Wizard VGA (USB), KV3004A, KV3204A, KV3404A, KV3304A specifications

The Black Box KV series of KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switches, including the KV3404A, KV3204A, KV3304A, and KV3004A, offer a robust solution for managing multiple computers from a single workstation. These devices are designed for efficiency, reliability, and user-friendly operation, catering to the needs of IT professionals across various industries.

The KV3404A KVM switch is capable of supporting up to four servers and features high-resolution VGA video output. It employs USB technology for keyboard and mouse connectivity, ensuring broad compatibility with various operating systems. This switch enables users to quickly switch between connected servers using a simple push-button interface or keyboard shortcuts, enhancing workflow and saving time.

The KV3204A offers similar functionality but adds the convenience of a built-in OSD (On-Screen Display), which provides an intuitive graphical interface for managing the connected devices. The OSD allows users to easily identify and switch between servers using an on-screen menu, streamlining operations in environments with multiple systems.

The Black Box ServSwitch Wizard VGA (USB) is known for its advanced video enhancement technology, providing superior image quality and extended distance support. It can transmit video signals up to 65 meters, making it suitable for large areas where the servers may be located far from the workstation. Additionally, this model is compatible with various video resolutions, ensuring high-definition performance across all connected devices.

The KV3304A and KV3004A models cater to different user needs, with the KV3304A supporting video resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 pixels. Meanwhile, the KV3004A focuses on essential KVM functionality, making it an economical choice for users who require basic switching capabilities without additional features.

In terms of security, these KVM switches are equipped with features like hot plugging and keyboard and mouse emulation, ensuring a seamless user experience. With support for multiple operating systems, including Windows and Linux, the KV series presents a versatile solution for businesses looking to optimize their IT management.

Overall, the Black Box KV series provides a comprehensive, user-centric approach to KVM switching. With advanced features, reliable performance, and excellent compatibility, these devices are ideal for data centers, server rooms, and any environment where efficient server management is a priority.
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