KVM Switches for SMBs: A Buyer’s Guide

Thanks to Paul Mah at IT Business Edge, who eloquently explains what to look for when investing in a KVM switch.

What criteria made the list?

1.You should decide whether you want an IP KVM switch or not.

Advantage: The freedom to work from anywhere.

Possible deterrents: Increased potential for security breach; higher price.

2. You should determine your ideal number of concurrent users.

Paul Mah posits:

“However, I would advocate support for at least one remote and one concurrent local user in instances where more than a dozen servers are connected via a KVM.”

This is a logical recommendation, given the number of servers being accessed. Minicom’s Smart 232 IP, for example, enables one local and two remote users access and control of up to 32 servers, as well as the capability for two remote users to operate serial sessions for controlling serial devices such as routers, managed network switches or PDUs.

3. Do you want CAT 5 cabling, which reduce cable clutter and are relatively inexpensive, or shorter, pricier cables (Duh!)?

4. If you are thinking about expanding the number of servers your SMB has, make sure you get a KVM switch which supports cascading. The author points out, “Note that the connectors for these KVMs are typically proprietary and support cascading only with the same models or devices within the same product family.”

Still have questions? Check out our KVM library or contact us.