Benefit from integrated KVM solutions for mission-critical control rooms

KVM is short for keyboard, video and mouse and refers to the interfaces of a computer. The special thing about the technology: based on hardware, KVM systems pick up computer signals at the interfaces from where they are extended and distributed.

They enable the spatial separation of operators and computers. This lets you move computer equipment from control rooms into dedicated, access-controlled server rooms. However, you can still operate the computers remotely – intuitively and in real time without latency or jolts and as if they were still placed next to the workstation.

For 35 years, G&D have stood for “German Engineering” and offer a comprehensive portfolio of KVM solutions for mission-critical applications. Their KVM extension systems, KVM switches and KVM matrices are available for applications needing to be extremely secure. The use of a KVM matrix, e.g. the ControlCenter-Compact, improves the IT infrastructure and harmonizes spatially distributed installations.

KVM matrix systems switch and distribute computer signals. They are used whenever several computers have to be operated remotely via different, simultaneous workstations. At the same time, users can operate many systems with a single set of keyboard, mouse and screen. All of this works completely without additional software installations and independent of the operating system.

KVM from G&D offers many aspects that improve cybersecurity and provide optimum access for being able to make quick decisions. The first and most important component is the separation of networks according to security levels. Since KVM systems are based solely on hardware, they only use original firmware instead of software that could be infected or manipulated.

To prevent unauthorized listening and access attempts, the data connection to the workstation is either uncompressed, transparent via fiber optic cables or compressed with data coding via copper cabling. For this purpose, G&D use their own video codec for additional security. A dedicated, proprietary network for the KVM systems keeps the networks separate.

Using preventive monitoring lets administrators quickly react to critical conditions. This way, they detect exceeding temperatures, miscommunications with the keyboard interface, or problems with the redundant system before they lead to failures. The monitoring and SNMP function does not only avoid system failures. It also increases availability and allows system administrators to work more efficiently.