I have a berklin 4 port kvm
my two servers are compaq's
if i do not boot with the server selected by the kvm is will not have use of keyboard or mouse. if it is selected i will lose keyboard if i swich to a different server.
Sounds like the KVM has blown up. Or at least has lost part of the functionality.
Whichever one is the first on should supply power that runs the controller that forces the keyboard/mouse identification circuits.
Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
I have similar issues with a 'mechanical' KVM. I have to keep switched to the Windows box during entire boot to keep keyboard and mouse. Once booted, if I switch away then back, the keyboard repeat rate is at it's slowest setting. Flip to a Linux box running X, I have to alt+f1 to get to a console, then back to GUI, or no mouse (but keyboard works). If the box is running straight DOS (like during a fresh Windows installation), there's no recovery, only reboot to get keyboard and mouse.
I posted somewhere here at tek-tips (Linux Desktop I think) and was asked "Is it a digital KVM?" and "You get what you pay for" . A responder said his digital KVM didn't suffer the same handicaps.
So now, it's my understanding that is just the nature of a mechanical KVM? Sort of an interaction between it and the OS it's connected to.
Digital KVM also known as KVM Over IP?/b>, KVM Access Over IP, KVM Through IP is a Keyboard, Video, Mouse Switch that will allow total control of servers or computers across LANs, WANs and MANs over the Internet Protocol (IP).
Such access is done as though the user (administrator) is setting in front of the controlled computer and have full physical access to that computer.
Difference between Analog KVM and Digital KVM
Analog KVM requires a physical access to the console controlling the connected servers (computers) to that switch.
Digital KVM Switches uses a technology that allow the administrators to control those servers using a specialized software that will give them total access to that machine as though they where setting in front of it.
JBR,
The mechanical switch connects one way and disconnects the other way. So, if you have an OS that will notice that the KB is disconnected you will get that result. The electrical version has circuitry that fakes out the keyboard circuits in the computer and even supplies the response code required during bootup. I quit using mechanical switches about the time 98 came out for that exact reason.
gosemer,
You can get results like that when the power supplied is not enough. Some KVMs have external power bricks to supply enough. Don't know if the Belkin might need one, I've never used one of theirs. I have one Cybex that is picky, it goes bonkers if one particular machine is the only one powered.
Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
After thinking it thru, I have used Belkin. Still sounds like a power problem from one machine.
What length of cables?
How about swapping switch positions and try with keyboard only. Shouldn't make any difference but at this point would try to simplify for diagnosis. And I assume minidin all the way around.
Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
Can only draw the conclusion that the Belkin isn't going to work with your server(s).
Probably time to try on another machine. Probably a single only. If it works there the Compaq is the problem.
I've seen other threads in the past where some machines just won't cut it with KVM. You may have a set.
Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
I have a Belkin 4 port running 2 regular PCs. When I switch between the two I occasionally have to unplug the USB to PS2 adapter plug for the keyboard on the front to "wake up" keyboard activity. Occasionally (but less often) the mouse's PS2 connection (Its a wireless keyboard and mouse combo from Logitech).
All this time I thought it was the Logitech KB/Mouse that was the issue. I've learned to live with it, but it does not make me real happy. If any industry reps are trolling a wireless keyboard/mouse adapter + KVM that worked correctly would be welcome!
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