FAQs - Frequently asked questions

KVM is short for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse and refers to computer ports. KVM products are connected to these - and other - ports, from where they extend or switch computer signals. Hence, KVM is the group designation of a technology, and not a special brand or company.

KVM products can be applied by everyone who uses computers. KVM products are applied to

• avoid noise | remove computers from the studios of a broadcast station
• save space | remove computers from the tower of air traffic control
• protect computers from damages | remove computers from the training room into an access-protected room
• create more ergonomic consoles | avoid wasted heat by removing computers
• save peripherals | operate multiple computers over one monitor, keyboard, and mouse
• facilitate administration | facilitate maintenance and administration by removing computers into a central server room
• create flexible working concepts | users can access their computer(s) from different consoles

A KVM extender separates the computer from the workplace. The computer stays protected in the equipment room while being operated from a distant workplace, with no loss of image quality and no perceptible latency.

An extender consists of two modules: the computer module (CPU) and the console module (CON), to which monitor, keyboard and mouse are connected. Transmission is either dedicated, over CAT or fiber, or over an existing IP network.

The KVM extenders overview shows the range for each transmission medium and which product families are available.

Several computers are connected to a KVM switch and operated from one workplace with just one keyboard and mouse. Switching is done via a button on the device, via hotkey, through the OSD or externally.

The switch itself does not bridge any distance; it passes the signals through uncompressed. If the workplace is to be further away, add KVM extenders. For a larger number of workplaces, KVM matrix systems are the right approach.

The KVM switches overview shows the available interfaces and computer counts.

A KVM matrix system connects many computers with many workplaces. Each workplace accesses each computer independently of the others. A matrix thus combines the switching of a KVM switch with the range of an extender.

A system consists of three components: the central module, which connects computers and workplaces and performs the switching, the computer modules on the computer side, and the console modules on the user side.

Compact and modular central modules are available, as well as a central module for KVM-over-IP™. See the KVM matrix systems overview for details.

Classic KVM uses dedicated connections and proprietary transmission. With KVM-over-IP™, transmission is based on IP and runs on Ethernet networks (OSI model layer 3).

The IP systems do not generally replace original KVM systems since these systems have their own advantages and are still used in many projects. 

Blogpost Classic KVM vs. KVM-over-IP – a comparison

No. KVM products establish a direct connection between computer and console - and not a data connection. This has the advantage that you can work directly at your computer and not only retrieve data from the computer connected to the KVM products. KVM-over-IP™ is an exception. Here the computer signals are transmitted over network and are turned into video, keyboard, and mouse information at the receiver. 

KVM-over-IP™ transmits video, keyboard and mouse in real time and therefore places different demands on a network than standard data traffic. What matters is sufficient bandwidth per channel, non-blocking switches, and properly configured multicast handling if one source is to appear at several workplaces.

We recommend a dedicated network or a separate VLAN so that other traffic does not affect transmission. You will find the specific figures for your system in the respective data sheet.

Not within a single matrix system: a system works either over dedicated connections or over IP. Computer modules and console modules have to match the transmission type of the system.

Side by side in the same installation, however, the combination is common. Many users run a classic matrix for time-critical workplaces alongside IP links for distributed sites. We are happy to discuss which approach suits your environment.

No. KVM products do not influence computers, but only use their external interfaces. If the computer provides the required interfaces, our KVM devices can extend, switch, or distribute the computer signals. Any installed software or operating system also remains unaffected by our solutions.

The systems differ mainly in the number of computers to be connected and the type and resolution of the video interfaces (VGA, DVI or DisplayPort).
To display workstations with two, three or four screens, our KVM switches are also available as multi-channel variants in addition to the single-channel variants.

There are two ways.

Multi-channel devices transmit several video channels from one computer together with keyboard and mouse. All screens show the same computer and switch together.

Alternatively, several console modules can be combined into a group operated with one keyboard and one mouse. Each monitor can then show a different computer. See TradeSwitch function in the glossary for more.

The K/M-Switch TradeSwitch switches keyboard, mouse and audio signals between computers and highlights the active channel using optional LEDs. The LEDs can be attached to the monitors. The TradeSwitch does not transmit video signals.

Yes. In addition to complete KVM extenders, we offer extenders for individual signals such as RS232, USB 2.0 and audio. You will find the available variants in the KVM extenders product overview.

Each KVM extender that uses fiber optics provides galvanic separation.

No. G&D KVM matrix switches are hardware switches. No software needs to be installed on the connected computers, regardless of their operating system or applications.

The system is configured via Config Panel 21, an HTML5-based web application. It runs in the browser of your choice and on larger touch devices. This, too, requires no installation.

Generally, yes. Installing the devices requires no special knowledge, since the installation is limited to plugging cables (plug & play). Comprehensive installations in general could also be carried out by your IT department/your external service provider.

Installing complex, combined applications require a profound knowledge of our products. That way, installing and configuring the devices also takes less time. Getting help from a trained G&D partner or our service team ensures fast and safe installation.

G&D is part of Panoptec. Guntermann & Drunck GmbH and VuWall Technology Europe GmbH have merged into Panoptec Europe GmbH.

Nothing changes in your day-to-day business: G&D remains a brand, and products, article numbers and contacts stay the same. What has changed is the company name in the legal disclaimer and on invoices, and the logo, which now reads "G&D by Panoptec".

Both brands are part of Panoptec and cover two different tasks in the control room.

G&D KVM systems give operators access to computers and servers and allow them to be operated in real time from the workplace. VuWall brings content to the video wall and distributes AV signals over IP so that everyone in the room sees the same situational picture.

Many projects use both together.

G&D was founded in 1985 and is today one of the leading manufacturers of KVM solutions. Ever since, our focus has been on extending, switching and distributing computer signals. Our systems are used wherever maximum reliability is essential.

Choosing a supplier or devices depends on your requirements. As supplier we combine high quality with best possible consulting and support. Our products are often deployed in air traffic control, industrial process control or broadcast. These industries require devices that guarantee long-time stability, failure safety, reliability, usability and availability. These features are not only required from individual products, but also from their interaction in complex installations.

If you are looking for all of the above, you've come to the right place!

As a major German manufacturer, we distribute our products directly or through qualified system houses and specialty retailers. The choice is yours. Please ask your local dealer or contact our sales team. Just tell us what you need and together we will find a technical solution for your requirements.

Contact our sales staff. We look forward to providing you with a quote for your tailored application. Feel free to ask for our price list.