ATEN expands KVM switching

ATEN Technologies introduced this week a keyboard-video-mouse switch that lets as many as four users access and control up to 32 computers connected to it.

By a combination of daisy-chaining and cascading, the Matrix KVM switch can ultimately link 32 users and 4,096 computers for remote control and access to a server’s keyboard, video and mouse. KVM switches like the ATEN Matrix allow server administrators to remotely manage and control servers in their data centers and other locations.

The Matrix KM0432 includes both RJ-45 connections and what ATEN calls Auto Signal Compensation (ASC), which allows signals to travel up to 1,000 feet away while maintaining clear video resolution. Because of this technology, KVM extenders are not needed.

The Matrix is housed in a 1U high case that has 32 ports. It can be connected to servers via USB or PS/2 ports. It works with Category 5 cable.

The Matrix has a “keep-alive” connection that makes sure the keyboard and mouse connections work even if the KVM switch loses power suddenly. There are also Hot Key combinations that can be invoked to control certain servers and an On Screen Display that lists all the servers the KVM switch is attached to. In addition, computers can be added or removed from the network without powering down the switch. The switch is rack-mountable.

Further, the Matrix has three levels of password security: one for the super administrator, one for administrator and one for users. 

ATEN competes with Avocent and Raritan, which also have KVM switches. According to a recent study by Venture Development, Avocent had a 40% market share of worldwide KVM shipments.

The Matrix costs $4,000 and is available now.