KVM Selection Guide
KVM Switches: What is best for you?
KVM switches are used to connect users to their computers. There are many types of switches to meet a wide variety of customer needs, but choosing the best kvm switches can be a challenge. Here are the major questions to consider:
- How many users and computers are there?
- What are the distances between the users and the computers?
- What type of cabling (or network) will connect the users and computers?
- Any special needs such as 4K video, high performance KVM or protecting classified information?
Here’s some quick advice to find the best kvm switch. If you want point-to-point access to a single computer, then look into KVM Extension. If you have a few computers in close proximity, then a Desktop Switch may be right for you. If you are a government or military worker who needs access to systems at different classification levels, then a Secure Desktop Switch is for you. If you have a smaller server room or rack within close proximity to the users, then look into a KVM Matrix Switch. KVM-over-IP Switches provide flexible, local and multi-user IP access of 8 to 64 computers, that scales to thousands of computers via Raritan’s Centralized Access and Management System. For 4K, broadcast, video or dynamic applications consider a high performance KVM switch.
The table below summarizes the types of KVM switches, from enterprise wide IP access to the extension of a single computer. Look at the Typical Applications column for the type that best matches your application.
Types of KVM Switches Table
The table below further explains the types of remote access available with the corresponding Raritan products. Click on a Raritan product for more information.
| Type of KVM Switches | Overview | Typical Applications | User to Computer Distance | Raritan Products |
| Centralized Access & Management System | Centralized IP access to hundreds or thousands of servers across multiple locations | Scales to world-wide, enterprise access for hundreds of users and tens of thousands of servers | Unlimited distances via LAN, WAN, Internet | CommandCenter Secure Gateway Dominion Switches |
| KVM-over-IP | Scalable family of KVM-over-IP switches from 1 user/8 ports to 8 users/64 ports. | IP-based remote access for small labs to the largest, enterprise data centers via CommandCenter | At-the-rack access plus unlimited distances via LAN, WAN, Internet | Dominion KX III Dominion KX IV-101 Dominion LX II |
| Cat5 Matrix Switch | Cat5 KVM switches supporting analog and digital video from 8, 16, and 32 servers for 1 to 2 users. | Supports local access for small labs, server rooms and data centers | Up to 1000 foot distances | MasterConsole® Digital* *supports both analog and digital devices |
| Desktop & Secure Desktop | Supports a single user accessing 2 to 16 servers per switch | Desktop or small rack use. Secure Desktop to access classified systems. | 5 to 50 foot distances | CompuSwitch expreZo Ezswitch |
| KVM Extension | Point-to-point access of a single computer. Scales to access from multiple locations. | Extended access to a single computer from one or more locations. | Up to 500 feet. Can daisy chain via Ethernet switches for longer distances | Cat5 Reach DVI HD |
| High Performance KVM-over-IP | High Performance KVM-over-IP Switches with 4K and 1080p60 video support | Broadcast, control rooms, video and applications with high resolution video/images | KVM-over-IP access over LAN, WAN and Internet via User Station or PC/Laptop | Dominion KX IV – 101 Dominion KX III Dominion KX IV User Station Dominion KX III User Station |
Characteristics Table
The final table provides detailed information on each Raritan product family, specifying the distances, cabling and the number of users/computers supported. Click on the Raritan product to view the product spec sheet.
| Type | Characteristics | Raritan Products |
| Centralized Access & Management System |
| |
| KVM-over-IP |
| |
| Cat5 Matrix Switch |
| *supports both analog and digital devices |
| Desktop & Secure Desktop |
| |
| KVM Extension |
| |
| High Performance KVM-over-IP |
|
