Definitions
Questions?
Answers!
    1. What is a KVM switch?
    KVM stands for Keyboard, Video and Mouse. A KVM switch lets you connect multiple computers to one switch unit that needs only ONE keyboard, ONE video monitor and ONE mouse to control all the attached computers.

    2. What is a console?
    A console is a computer user's equipment used for inputting and outputting data. This normally consists of a keyboard, video monitor and mouse.

    3. What does "cascade" mean in relation to KVM switches? How does this differ from a "daisy chain"?
    To cascade is to attach one or more additional KVM switches to the master KVM switch in order to expand the number of CPUs that you can control from one console. With the capability to cascade, NTI's line of KVM switches allows you to control up to 512 CPUs from one keyboard, monitor and mouse. Think of this system as an octopus, with one central master and each slave extending from the master.

    To "daisy chain" is another method of linking multiple computers to a KVM switch; however each computer is a "link" in the chain rather than independently connected to a KVM switch. This method can lead to problems, as a problem with one computer (one link in the chain) can result in a loss of the entire chain.

    With the exception of some classroom computer system products, NTI KVM switches are designed to be cascaded rather than used in daisy chains.

    4. What is a KVM splitter?
    A KVM splitter allows you to control one computer from more than one control location (keyboard, monitor and mouse). For instance, a server could be located in a clean environment with control locations in the network administrator's office, the factory floor, the plant manager's office and the boardroom.

    5. What is a video splitter?
    A video splitter allows you to control the output of up to 100 monitors from one CPU.

    6. What is a matrix switch?
    A Matrix Switch is a device that can have multiple inputs and outputs, where any of the inputs can be connected to any of the outputs. NTI video and KVM matrix switches allow multiple computers to be connected to multiple user consoles.

    7. What is a multiplexor?
    A Multiplexor is a device that can have multiple inputs and connects to a single output. NTI multiplexors (also known as Switch Expansion Units) are special KVM switches that allow multiple KVM switches to be connected to a single user console. This expands the number of computers a user can connect to by allowing multiple switches to be connected together.

    8. What is resolution?
    If you look close enough on your monitor, you will see that the overall picture is made up of many tiny little "dots." Resolution is a measure of how many dots make up the image on your monitor. For example, a resolution of "800x600" means that there are 800 dots horizontally and 600 dots vertically on your screen. The more dots, the clearer the image.

    NTI switches offer guaranteed crisp and clear 1900x1200 high resolution with no degradation of signal through 250 feet, or 800x600 VGA resolution with no degradation of signal through 500 feet.

    9. What does the term "amplified" refer to in reference to splitters?
    "Amplified" means that input signal is electronically processed to increase its signal strength before the signal is output.

    10. What does the term "buffer" refer to in reference to splitters?
    To "Buffer" the signal means that an active electronic device such as an amplifier or driver is conditioning the signal before it is output.

    11. What does the term "bandwidth" mean?
    "Bandwidth" is the range of frequencies that a device can pass. Using a device like a cable or video switch with inadequate bandwidth will be seen as a fuzzy (non-sharp) display on the monitor.

    With computer video, the approximate bandwidth required to pass a video signal can be calculated as:
    Horizontal Frequency = F (in kHz)
    Horizontal Resolution = R (in kHz)
    Bandwidth = BW (in MHz) = F x R x .00133
    Example: F = 35 kHz, R = 1024 dots, then bandwidth = 47.7 MHz

    NTI uses a bandwidth of 150MHz, as opposed to the bandwidth of 50MHz used by some other manufacturers, to ensure a clear 1900x1200 signal through 250 feet.

    12. What does the term "RS232" refer to when discussing methods of controlling KVM switches?
    "RS232" is a standard method for electronic devices to communicate with each other. On a PC, the com ports are standard RS232 interfaces. An RS232 control option is available on a number of NTI products, which allows a computer to control and receive status of the product.