Chapter 1

Introduction

Overview

The KH2508 / KH2516 Cat 5 High Density KVM Switches give IT administrators advanced control of multiple computers. Operators working at up to two keyboard, monitor, and mouse (KVM) consoles can independently and simultaneously take direct control of up to 8 or 16 computers in a single- level installation, or up to 512 or 4096 KVM ports in a full three-level cascaded switch installation. Cascading is achieved via dedicated RJ-45 cascade ports and Cat 5e cabling.

The two KVM consoles belonging to the first-level KH2508 / KH2516 are able to access all the computers on the installation – those that are directly connected to the switch, as well as those that are cascaded. Where applicable, one KVM console belonging to each cascaded KH2508 / KH2516 can access the computers on the same, or lower level.

The KH2508 / KH2516 feature RJ-45 connectors and Cat 5e cable to link to the computers. 1280 x 1024 @ 75Hz video signals can travel up to

40 m (130 feet), eliminating the need for KVM extenders. Utilizing PS/2 and USB KVM adapter cables for the final linkup, the KH2508 / KH2516 permits any combination of PCs, Macs, Sun computers, and serial devices to coexist on the installation. Additionally, the use of RJ-45 connectors saves precious IT real estate by allowing 8 or 16 KVM ports to reside in a single 1U housing.

Access to any computer connected to the installation is easily accomplished by means of mouse-driven on-screen display (OSD) menus. A convenient Auto Scan feature also permits automatic scanning and monitoring of the activities of computers running on the installation one-by-one.

Setup is fast and easy – plugging cables into their appropriate ports is all that is entailed. Because the KH2508 / KH2516 intercepts keyboard and mouse input directly, there is no software to configure, and no need to get involved in complex installation routines, or be concerned with incompatibility problems.

Your KH2508 / KH2516 investment is protected by a Firmware Upgrade Utility. You can stay current with the latest improvements in functionality by using the Firmware Upgrade Utility to upgrade your installation. Check our website frequently to download the latest updates to the KH2508 / KH2516 Firmware Upgrade Utility.

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