A KVM switch enables you to control multiple servers and other equipment from one keyboard, monitor, and mouse workstation. KVM switches give you the flexibility to access servers that are down the hall or across “the pond.” How you access your servers depends on a number of things. Before you choose a KVM switching solution, you need to consider some important issues…

What type of connection does the controlling keyboard, video display, and mouse have?

Depending on whether they are PS/2®, USB, or some combination of both, your connections determine what type of cabling you need.

If you are using USB devices, like keyboards and mice, make sure to purchase a KVM switch with USB support. Older KVMs usually only support PS/2 connections.

Do your CPUs require keyboard or keyboard and mouse emulation?

Keyboard emulation and keyboard and mouse emulation are enhanced features of most KVM switches. They enable each CPU to communicate with the switch as if it were directly attached to the controlling keyboard or mouse.

What operating system (OS) software do your computers use?

Are all your computers running the same OS? Or, like many organizations, do you have multiple CPUs running different OSs? With the right KVM switch, interconnecting multiple CPUs running different OSs is easy.

How close are your users to your servers?

If servers and users are physically close to each other, an analog KVM system will meet your needs. On the other hand, if users require access from remote locations because they travel, or if an IT manager needs to manage a distant data center, a KVM over IP (KVMoIP) system is going to be the best fit for your organization.

How many ports do you need? What will your future needs be?

It is advisable to purchase a KVM switch with more ports than you currently need. This way, when you expand your server room or add users, you don’t need to completely replace a small KVM switch with a larger one with more ports. Also, although many KVM switches are cascadable, a KVMoIP system simplifies configuration, usually requiring the addition of IP addresses and updating the authentication database. KVMoIP makes adding servers fast and free of complications (to learn how to do more with less, listen to our recorded webinar on KVMoIP).

What are your security needs?

Network security must never be compromised, yet authorized personnel need access. KVM switches use a combination of user authentication, an operating system’s internal security, and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption—among other security features—to ensure that users receive access to those devices to which they are allowed.

We have KVM switches that support both USB and PS/2, as well as USB-only models. We also provide multiplatform KVM switches so you can interconnect multiple CPUs that are running on various OSs.  Pick and choose what you need/want with our KVM Selector. Or, call our 24/78/365 Tech Support.

We’ve focused on the importance of network security before, and if you remember, it all starts with getting physical. Now you can boost your physical network security starting at the port. Here’s one of the simplest and inexpensive, yet most effective ways you can increase your Layer 1 security. Lock up your network ports with LockPORT Security Locking Patch Cables. They stay locked in place until you take them out. Or, as Christina Hansen from CableOrganizer.com’s Product Showcase says, “removal only with approval.”

If people—whether they’re personnel, visitors, or those with evil on their mind—can’t disconnect your network cables, they can’t tamper with your network and bring it down. Another danger to your network are cable connections that work loose over time or are accidentally knocked out. Loose and poor cable connections are one of the biggest causes of network downtime. And, it’s why the first question Help Desk technicians ask is: “Did you check the cable connection?” Whether from accidental or intentional disconnects, once your network goes down, you could spend hours and hours trying to pinpoint where the problem lies.

Two levels of security

LockPORT gives you two different locking cable choices. Both feature the same patented LockPORT boot. What differs are the patented clip inserts. Best of all, the clips are interchangeable so if you're application changes, all you do is move a clip from one cable to another instead of buying more cables.

For absolute port security, choose the red Key Locking cable. It secures cables in place and can only be removed by you with the Removal Tool. This is the “removal only with approval” lock.

To prevent accidental disconnects, but to give people access to ports, use the green Secure Locking cable. It holds the cable in place and eliminates disconnects from jostling and general wear and tear.

Publicly perfect.

Use LockPORT cables to prevent network tampering in public areas like hospitals, airports, hotels, and shops. It’s perfect for educational settings as well, providing a foolproof way to secure network connections in classrooms and training rooms. And, it’s a great and inexpensive way to turn your CAT5e/6 and fiber cables into a Layer 1 security tool.

Download the LockPORT Brochure, or see how LockPORT cables can secure your network ports in the video below:

The proliferation of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers has led to the demand for Internet access everywhere. This has many organizations scrambling to provide Wi-Fi Internet access for both employees and visitors. The problem is that secure, reliable wireless guest access can be challenging if you have a “traditional” wireless network that consists of simple access points connected to a wired network.

If you remember from our previous post, separating your wireless network from your wired network is essential to keeping your information secure. This configuration is a major project. You have to reconfigure the network architecture so you can connect access points to a separate LAN using a firewall’s DMZ port.

Another problem for traditional wireless networks is how to provide transitions across different subnets. For instance, a person walking through a building while using a smartphone will find that a new login is required every time the phone moves into the range of another access point on a different subnet—hardly mobile access.

There is an easier way: Choose an enterprise wireless system that integrates these functions. For instance, you can use an enterprise-grade mesh wireless system with intelligent access points that creates a guest network by enforcing policy at the network’s edge—no controller is required, and the firewall is located at the ingress point of the access point itself.

These mesh access points also communicate with each other to ensure seamless transitions when a wireless device moves from one access point to another on different subnets. Users experience fewer dead spots—so no more huddling under an access point to get a good signal. Allow your users to get the “wherever, whenever” access they demand. For more info, please visit www.blackbox.com/go/smartpath.

Resources:

SmartPath Enterprise Wireless Brochure

White Paper: Wireless Standards, Installation, Security and More!

White Paper: Selecting a Wireless Technology