StarTech's 8 port Cat 5 KVM switch lets you manage all of your computers from one ... more
convenient location over UTP (Cat 5) cable, using only one keyboard, mouse, and monitor. In place of more traditional KVM switches which use DB15 cable to connect slave c...
Postage & Packaging: £4.50 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Advantages: Cheap, all in one solution Disadvantages: No manual overide or audio support
has USB connections for the keyboard and mouse although Belkin do a range of KVM's so you can probably find a PS/2 equivelent if you have that sort of mouse/keyboard. The PS/2 models also include PS/2->USB adaptors so you'll also need those if you have a USB mouse and PS/2 keyboard. This particular model has no support for audio so if you need to also have your microphone and speakers switch from PC to PC, look elsewhere.
The monitor, keyboard and mouse are then connected to the KVM to complete the set up. One bugbear is that like the vast majority of KVMs, this Belkin unit has cables going in one end and out the other making it difficult to place on a desktop without having cables hanging out everywhere. However, there is no reason why you can't just tuck it out the way out of sight as it has no parts you'd normally need to access ...
Advantages: Cheap, all in one solution, audio support Disadvantages: No manual overide
of leads in to each PC. The F1DL102P has PS/2 leads for the keyboard and mouse but a USB version is also available. The audio support is limited to a single stereo jack and microphone input but given the market this is aimed at, I can't really see the lack of multi-channel audio support to be a problem.
The monitor, keyboard and mouse are then connected to the KVM to complete the set up. One bugbear is that like the vast majority of KVMs, this Belkin unit has cables going in one end and out the other making it difficult to place on a desktop without having cables hanging out everywhere. However, there is no reason why you can't just tuck it out the way out of sight as it has no parts you'd normally need to access. The leads were of a generous length allowing some room to manoeuvre on PC placement.
Features
As noted, the Belkin supports ...
Advantages: Build quality, flexibility Disadvantages: Too few USB ports, a bit pricy
to switch from one machine to another.
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The CS1774 is a small but pleasingly heavy device that support up to 4 different computers. As well as the basic KVM function, it also includes a 2portUSB hub, stereo out and microphone in and an Ethernet hub that accepts both 10 and 100Mbps links.
The kit includes a full compliment of leads for 4 PCs, a firmware upgrade cable, external PSU and full printed manuals along with a quick start guide.
The build quality is excellent with quality connectors and a solid metal case. The CS1774 is well designed with all the leads connecting at the rear except for two USBports making it easy to keep everything nicely tided away. It is also designed to stack with similar units if desired. The keyboard and mouse connectors are USB although ...
Product Information for "StarTech.com 8 Port Cat5 USB PS/2 KVM Switch - KVM switch - 8 ports" »
Networking
Ports Qty
8
Connectivity Technology
Wired
Status Indicators
Port status
Features
On-Screen Display, firmware upgradable
Kvm
Keyboard / Mouse Interface
PS/2
KVM Local Users Qty
1 local user
Server Connection Via Twisted Pair
CAT5
Max Resolution
1600 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
KVM Features
Server connection via twisted pair
Manufacturer's product description
StarTech.com's 8 port Cat 5 KVM switch lets you manage all of your computers from one convenient location over UTP (Cat 5) cable, using only one keyboard, mouse, and monitor. In place of more "traditional" KVM switches which use DB15 cable to connect slave computers to the switch, this Cat 5 KVM switch utilizes Category 5 UTP cable to link the computers, reducing cable clutter and extending the available connection distance to up to 130ft (39.6m). To ensure simple and convenient operation, the KVM Switch features both pushbutton and hot-key commands and offers manual and automatic scan modes that provide hassle-free monitoring of computer connection status. This Cat 5 KVM switch is cascadable, allowing multiple Cat5 KVM units to be linked together for control of up to 256 computers from a single KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) peripheral set - providing a scalable control platform that can grow to accommodate your needs. For simple integration into any server room or data center, this 8 port Cat 5 KVM switch can be rack mounted, and requires only 1U of cabinet storage space. The following interface modules are required for host connectivity: SV5USBS - USB Server Interface Module, SV5PS2S - PS/2 Server Interface Module.
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