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 matrix systems make IT infrastructures highly flexible by allowing distributed access to a great number of computers. To expand the limits of this infrastructure even further, G&D have developed the KVM Matrix-Grid® to link systems even more directly. Not only does the matrix grid facilitate the operation of large installations, it allows the bidirectional operation at multiple locations.
The G&D KVM Matrix-Grid® allows for highly complex topologies to be set up in a variety of ways, for example, as strand, ring, star, or as a fully meshed network (or as a combination of these).
KVM products can be applied by everyone who uses computers. KVM products are applied to
Thanks to KVM extenders, computers can be removed from workplaces (keyboard, video, mouse) into central, access-protected and air-conditioned equipment areas. With a dedicated CAT or fiber optic connection (up to 10.000m) or KVM-over-IP (within the network infrastructure) the computers will continue to be operated in real time.
The extender systems consist of a transmitter (CPU) and a receiver module (CON).
G&D offers classic KVM extenders with dedicated connection (compressed or uncompressed video transmission) and KVM-over-IP extenders. There are solutions for the different video signals: DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI and VGA.
A KVM switch connects many computers that can be operated over one console (monitor, keyboard, mouse). Switching between computers is carried out over a button at the switch or via hotkey. Depending on size, KVM switches also provide an OSD to switch between computers. You also can use the OperatorPanel for switching.
G&D offers KVM switches for DisplayPort, DVI and VGA, which allow a user to operate 2 - 64 computers. With the TradeSwitch, we also offer you another way to save on peripheral devices (switching keyboard and mouse signals without a video signal). Thanks to CrossDisplay-Switching, hereby you can intuitively select the desired computer with the mouse.
KVM matrix switches let you operate multiple computers over multiple consoles (consisting of display, keyboard & mouse).
The systems consist of three components:
Depending on the requirements, users can choose between compact (ControlCenter-Compact) and modular central modules (ControlCenter-Digital). Both, computer modules and user modules are available for all common video signals and provide various features. With the ControlCenter-IP we also offer you a KVM-over-IP matrix system. Analogue KVM matrix systems are also still available.
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.
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.
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.
To operate both VGA and DVI computers, please use one of the following digital KVM switches:
These devices switch both types of signals. Please contact our sales team for more information.
Yes. We offer single-signal extenders for transmitting, e.g. RS232, USB2.0 and audio. Our sales team provides more information about the devices.
Each KVM extender that uses fibre optics provides galvanic separation.
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.
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.
Switching is done via keys on the KVM switch, hotkeys, the OSD or externally via the RS232 interface. Depending on the variant, you can switch and operate between two and 64 computers from one workstation.
The number of computers to be controlled can be increased by cascading the devices. Monitor, keyboard, mouse and other peripheral devices are connected directly to the KVM switch. LEDs or on-screen displays let you know which computer you are currently on.
Yes. Our multi-channel switches are best suited for this purpose. They access up to four video channels and keyboard/mouse for each computer. Multi-channel devices are abbreviated with "MC" (e.g. DVIMUX4-MC4-USB for 4 x video per computer).
Switching is carried out over hotkey, button, or external access (if provided for device). An LED at the switch highlights the active channel (computer).
The 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.
Complex applications require the simultaneous work of several users and administrators on different computers. This requirement can be realized by our KVM matrix systems.
This installation requires one of our matrix switch systems.
Please contact our sales team. They will personally advise you regarding your particular requirements, the variety and efficiency of individual systems and other special features.
No. Since G&D matrix switches only access hardware, installing additional software is not required.
In the past, we used Java for the web-based configuration of KVM systems. But since Java is now more and more perceived as a security risk and therefore no longer supported by many browsers, we have developed the Config Panel 21, CP21 for short. The Config Panel 21 is a web application based on HTML5. This application does not require any software installation and provides a graphical user interface for configuring digital KVM matrix switches. It is operated via a web browser of your choice. Additionally, you can also use the CP 21 on medium or large touch devices.
Guntermann & Drunck was founded in 1985 and is now regarded as one of the foremost manufacturers of KVM solutions. Our systems are used whenever maximum reliability is essential. For more than 35 years we've been experts in control room applications and know exactly what you need when it comes to extending, switching and distributing computer signals.
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 - features that are reflected in the price of a product.
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.
The best way to talk about complex topics is in person. Via chat, e-mail, phone or in a personal demo remote or on-site.
