Chapter 1

Introduction

Overview

A KH2508A/KH2516A KVM switch is a control unit that allows IT administrators to access and control multiple computers from two PS/2 or USB KVM (keyboard, monitor, and mouse) consoles. Operators working at up to two consoles can independently and simultaneously take control of up to 8 (KH2508A), or 16 (KH2516A) computers.

By daisy chaining up to 31 additional switches, as many as 512 computers can be controlled from the original KVM console. An auto-sensing function recognizes the position of each station on the chain, eliminating the need to manually set the position, and a seven-segment front panel LED displays each Station's position for easy identification.

Compact, high-density, RJ-45 connectors and CAT 5e/6 cable make for a compact, efficient, wiring configuration, while the use of PS/2 and USB KVM Adapter Cables to link to the computers, permits any combination of PCs, Macs, Sun computers, and serial devices to coexist on the installation.

Setting up the KH2508A / KH2516A is fast and easy – plugging cables into their appropriate ports is all that is entailed. Because the KH2508A / KH2516A intercepts keyboard and mouse input directly, there is no software to configure and no complex installation routines.

Access to any computer on the installation is easily accomplished – either by pressing front panel port selection pushbuttons; entering hotkey combinations from the keyboard; or by means of a powerful OSD (On Screen Display) menu system. A convenient Auto Scan function also permits automatic scanning and one-by-one monitoring of the activities of selected computers.

Your KH2508A / KH2516A investment is protected through firmware upgrades. You can download firmware update files from our website, and use the Firmware Upgrade function to quickly and conveniently install them.

There is no better way to save time and money than with a KH2508A / KH2516A installation. By allowing one or two consoles to manage up to 512 computers, you: (1) eliminate the expense of purchasing separate keyboards, monitors, and mice; (2) save space; (3) save on energy costs; and (4) eliminate the inconvenience and wasted effort involved in constantly having to move from one computer to another.

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