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Chapter 2: Over view
2.1 Introduction
A CATx/Fiber KVM Extender enables you to mount a CPU in a secure rack/cabinet or data center and access it from a remote
location, up to 140 meters away. A basic KVM extension system is comprised of a local unit and a remote unit. The loc al unit
connects directly to the computer (or a KVM switch system) using the supplied cable(s). The user console (keyboard, mouse,
and monitor) attaches to the remote unit. The remote and local units communicate video and data information along the
interconnecting cables. Local units offer dual access, allowing the connection of a second monitor close to the computer.
A CATx/Fiber KVM Extender is used to extend the maximum distance between a CPU and a keyboard/monitor/mouse. In
addition, a KVM extender is beneficial in installations in ele ctromagnetic hazardous environments (EMI). Regular KVM e xtender
cables (and extenders using traditional cables) have inherent distance limitations, and EMI interference may reduce the maximum
distance and/or reliability. With a DVI-D /-I CATx Extender system, these limitations are no longer an issue.
2.2 Glossary
The following terms are used in this guide:
Table 2-1. Glossary
Term Definition
CATx
Any Category 5, 5e, 6, or higher cable, solid 24 AWG. Alt hough flexible 27/7 AWG cabl es can
be used too, the lengths of flexible cable s count twice in the calculation of t he total distance.
Fiber 9-μ Single-mode or 50- μ/62.5-μ Mul timode fiber cable.
KVM Keyboard, video, and mouse.
Console Keyboard, mouse, and monitor
Dual Access A system allowing connection of loc al and remote user consoles.
Single-Head An extender system that sup ports one monitor and keybo ard/mouse
Dual-Head An extender system that sup ports two monitors a nd keyboard/mouse
DVI
Digital video standard, installed b y Digital Display Working Group (w ww.ddwg.org) R, G, B,
CLOCK in a data stream with up to 3x 1.6 Gbps. Signals are TMDS Le vel.
PSU The desktop power supply connect ed to the local/remot e unit.
HID
Human interface devices (HIDs) are units which are used for human access to the CPU. They are
a USB-device class of their own (e.g. mem ory devices etc.). In ad dition to keyboards and mice, it
includes touchscreens, light pens, fingerprint sensors, graphics tablets, etc.
ACS4002A-R2