| Frequently Asked Questions |
General KVM |
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Q: What is KVM Switching?
A: KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse.
KVM switching allows the use of a single keyboard, video monitor and mouse to control multiple computers.
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Q: When would I need a KVM switch?
A: Generally, KVM switches are used in situations where there
are multiple computers that do not require constant interaction from a single user, but need to be accessed on a regular basis.
Without a Cybex KVM switch, a dedicated keyboard, monitor, and mouse are required to be
able to operate each computer even though a user can only work on one system at a time.
By having the computers on a Cybex KVM switch, the user can eliminate unused keyboards,
monitors and mice, and organize their workspace to be more efficient and productive.
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Q: What are some typical applications where a Cybex switch is beneficial?
A: The most common application of a Cybex KVM switch is in server rooms.
By connecting servers to a KVM switch, all of the servers can be monitored and controlled from a central location,
reducing the time it might take to walk through rows and rows of equipment to get to the right keyboard.
Other applications include help desk, assembly lines, software developers and multicomputer desktops.
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Q: What are the benefits of using a KVM switch?
A: The first and most obvious benefit of using a KVM switch is the hardware savings.
A KVM switch decreases the number of required keyboards, monitors, and mice in a system allowing customers
to reduce the cost of peripherals dramatically.
A second benefit is the reduction of energy consumption and air conditioning costs that multiple keyboards, monitors, and mice require.
A Cybex KVM switch also allows more efficient use of the valuable space available in server rooms and data centers.
Customers can use their limited space for productive servers, routers, hubs, and printers, not keyboards, monitors and mice.
With a Cybex KVM switch, computers can be controlled more efficiently by centralizing control instead of forcing network managers
to spend time walking around in data centers, looking for a particular set of peripherals.
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Q: How does a Cybex KVM switch work?
A: Normally every computer has a keyboard, monitor and mouse.
When using a Cybex KVM switch, a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse is used to switch channels
among attached computers. A cable connects the computers to the switch.
Cybex KVM switches will fully emulate the mouse and keyboard connections for each computer, even when that computer is not selected.
As a result, switching is seamless and you can even reboot servers through the switch.
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Q: How do I select or change computers on my system?
A: All Cybex KVM switches have keyboard hot-key sequences for selecting channels,
as well as pushbuttons on most models.
Switches (including the AutoView Commander and AutoBoot Commander 4xP) can be ordered with an on-screen menu
that allows a customer to name and select their computers from the menu.
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Q: Do I have to switch off my system when adding a new computer to a Cybex switch?
A: No. A new computer can be connected and powered without affecting any other connected computers.
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Q: Will Cybex products interfere with my network or software?
A: No. Since Cybex products connect directly to the keyboard,
monitor and mice ports on the computer, the switch does not interfere with any software or the network.
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Q: If I change my operating system, will I have to change my Cybex switch?
A: No. Cybex products do not rely on any software on the computer.
Therefore, Cybex KVM switches are transparent to the operating system.
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Q: Will Redwood KVM Sales assist me in configuring a system to meet my needs?
A: Redwood KVM Sales provides both pre-sale and post-sale support to our customers.
We can recommend a system to meet your needs, discuss tradeoff considerations, or provide parts lists and quotes.
We can also review your proposed configuration and make recommendations.
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Q: What is KVM Extension?
A: KVM extension allows the user to locate their keyboard, monitor and mouse up to 500 feet from the computer.
KVM extension products can be combined with our switching products to provide flexible access to multiple computers.
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Q: How do KVM extension products work?
A: Cybex extension products consist of a transmitter and receiver that are connected by an
extension cable (either Cybex CMB cable, or UTP CAT5).
The transmitter attaches to the computer side and the keyboard, monitor and mouse attach to the receiver unit.
The transmitter and receiver units can be up to 500 feet apart.
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Q: What are the benefits of using a KVM extension product?
A: Cybex KVM extension products allow you to place a computer in a safe, clean,
and secure location, away from dirt, dust, clutter, and harm.
When used with a KVM switch, extension and expansion products allow access to computers from a location outside the computer room.
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Q: Can I attach a KVM extension to either the
KVM side or computer side of my KVM switch?
A: Yes!
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Q: What is KVM Expansion?
A: KVM Expansion products allow multiple sets of keyboard, monitor
and mice to be connected to a single computer.
KVM Expansion products also can be combined with switching products for a complete solution.
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Q: Can I connect Cybex products to each other?
A: Yes. In fact, Cybex products are designed to work together to
provide our customers with a total solution.
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| AutoView Commander |
| | | Q: Do I have to power down the AutoView and attached servers to add a new server?
A: No, AutoView Commander is hot pluggable. This means that you can add new servers without powering down the switch or attached servers.
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| | | Q: What is the video resolution supported by AutoView Commander?
A: The AV-4B and AV-8B supports VGA, SVGA, XGA and XGA II (1600 X 1200 @ 85 Hz).
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| | | Q: How do I rack mount my AutoView?
A: You will need to order an RMK-33 to rack mount AV-4B and AV-8B.
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| | | Q: What happens if I lose power to the AutoView?
A: The Keep Alive feature allows the attached PCs to power the AutoView Commander if power is lost to the switch. Mouse and keyboard emulation are preserved, ensuring that your servers keep running in the unlikely event of an AutoView power loss.
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| | | Q: How many PC computers can the AutoView Commander support?
A: The AutoView Commander can be tiered with other AutoView Commanders to support a total of 64 PC computers.
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| | | Q: What operating system does the AutoView support?
A: The AutoView Commander has built-in "intelligence" that emulates the keyboard and mouse, thus making the switch transparent to the computer. Therefore, the AutoView Commander will support any operating system that the PCs are running, including Windows 3.x, Windows 95/98, DOS, or Windows NT/2000.
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| | | Q: What platforms of computers does the AutoView support?
A: The AutoView Commander supports all IBM and IBM-compatible computers
using both PS/2 and AT keyboard, PS/2, serial, and the Microsoft IntelliMouse. The AutoView 400 supports
other platforms such as Sun computers.
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| | | Q: How far away can a user be located from the AutoView Commander?
A: The AutoView Commander has connections for the controlling keyboard, monitor and mouse. The user must be close enough for the actual peripheral cables to reach the back of the unit. If a greater distance is needed, the LongView extension product will allow the user to be up to 500 feet from the switch.
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| | | Q: How far away can the computers be from the switch?
A: The computer cable assemblies for the AutoView Commander are available from Redwood KVM Sales in 4, 6, 8, 10, 15 and 30 foot lengths. If you require a greater distance, we recommend the LongView extension product.
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| Watch for significant additions to this page. |