Advantages of ATEN LCD KVM Switches

In a large-scale centralized server room, huge savings in terms of equipment space, and energy expenses can be obtained by deploying a KVM Switch installation. One of the most distinguished examples in ATEN's advanced KVM switch series is the LCD KVM Switch.

1. Save space and resource

The KVM console of an ATEN LCD KVM switch is built right into the switch, while a conventional KVM switch with separate console takes up server room space and resources. Since the LCD panel flips down and the unit slides back out of the way, it fits perfectly in a 1 U system rack, with no waste of space.

Above: Wasted space with a conventional KVM installation
Below: Optimized rack utilization with an LCD KVM Switch

ATEN LCD KVM Switches offer the perfect solution for enterprises that want to control server room costs, make efficient use of space, and modernize their server room capability. The benefits of ATEN LCD KVM Switches can be demonstrated by looking at two of our most popular models -- ALTUSEN KL1116 and KL3116 Dual Rail LCD KVM Switches.

We can see that when it is pulled out from the rack, its top cover rotates up to reveal a monitor built in to its top cover, and a keyboard and touch pad underneath. When the LCD monitor is closed, the entire unit can slide back into the rack taking up only 1U of rack height -- a significant savings in rack space over a conventional console arrangement since the space above and below the unit is available for other devices.

The monitor of an ALTUSEN LCD KVM switch can either be 15 or 17 inches and contains ports for connecting up to 16 computers. Additional units can be daisy chained or cascaded to enable access and control of up to hundreds of computers -- all from the single built-in LCD console.

2. Extra console allows access by two users

The KL1116 also incorporates ports that permit users to attach an external console -- offering the ability to access the installation from a remote location as well as at the rack. In addition, if an installation comprises numerous computers, two operators may want access at the same time. By supporting a second console, the KL1116 can easily provide for control of the installation from both locations on a one-at-a-time basis (one bus).

3.Dual Rail Design

ALTUSEN LCD KVM sports an innovative dual-rail design that allows the console to slide back while the LCD panel remains in plain sight -even with the server rack door closed - to monitor and troubleshoot servers.

4. Improvement in compatibility and interface

The new ALTUSEN KL3116 Dual Rail LCD KVMP Switch is similar in features to the KL1116, however a few changes have been made to the operation interface, providing more options for the system manager.
(1) The KVM connectors have been changed to a combined PS/2 and USB interface.
(2) Additional USB ports are provided for sharing USB devices connected to the KL3116 among the computers on the installation.
(3) LEDs to indicate which computer currently has the KVM focus; a Port Up/Port Down button for quick port switching.
(4) A PS/2 mouse port for people who aren't comfortable with a touchpad.
(5) An enhanced OSD that provides a tree view for a quick, easy to grasp display of information concerning all the computers on the installation. This is especially helpful for large, daisy chained installations.

· Supports USB peripheral devices	· Station/Port Selection Switches	· PS/2 mouse port

· The OSD provides a directory tree view

5. Single person easy rack mounting

All ALTUSEN LCD KVM Switches and ATEN CL1208/1216 and CL1758 LCD KVM Switches can be handled by one person. Thanks to the Easy Rack Mount Kit, it's only a matter of minutes for a single person to install the switch in a standard system rack as shown in the photos, below:

(1) Fit the Easy Rack Mount Kit Rail onto the rack and tighten the front screw.	(2) Tighten the rear screw.	(3) Fit the other Rail onto the rack and tighten the screws.
(4) Align the LCD KVM Switch with the Rails.	(5) Slide the LCD KVM Switch into rack.	(6) Screw the LCD KVM Switch to the rack. The installation is now complete.

Above: Single person easy rack mounting (More info...)

Product Design Features

The external appearance and structural design of the Dual Rail LCD KVM Switches have served to create a professional user experience. For this series, the designers completely rethought functionality, performance and user-friendliness to create a more ergonomic operating environment. This effort has been recognized by the award of the Taiwan Good Design Mark (GD-MARK).

	1. Innovative Dual Rail Design The ALTUSEN Dual Rail LCD KVM Switch uses an innovative Dual Rail design that allows the keyboard/touch pad and the LCD display to be extended separately. After the keyboard/touch pad is pushed into the rack, the LCD display is still available, allowing server status to be monitored and troubleshooting to be carried out at any time.
	2. High Quality Finish and User Friendly Appearance The overall appearance being composed of clearly defined curves which intersect with a progression of decorative circular holes. Styling ridges help to delineate parts of the overall design and serve as visual cues that guide the user's eyes to the operating area; the variations in the technology themed streamlining helps to soften the robustness of the professional technical product.
	3. Design of the Handle and Casing Design features such as the curved shape and slots allow people to intuitively grasp its handle-ness with its hidden message of "Pull". By using the action to also push down on the release button at the same time, a single range of motions with one hand completes the opening operation.
	4. Patented Console Lock Design An innovative semi-automatic LOCK/UNLOCK mechanism ensures that when the LCD is fully extended it is automatically locked into place for stability. When the LCD needs to be recovered, once it is manually unlocked both hands can be lifted off the locking mechanism to push the LCD back from the front. This action solves the problem of hands getting caught in the slide Rails, making the system safer to operate.
	5. Simple text and graphics are provided as a guide to operations So that users of different experience levels and backgrounds can easily familiarize themselves with its operation.

Models of LCD KVM Switches

The ATEN LCD KVM Switches product line currently comprises the following products -- the ATEN CL1200, CL1208/1216 and CL1758; as well as the advanced ALTUSEN KL1116 and KL3116. The CL1200 differs from the others in that it only consists of the LCD module without a KVM switch component. It was designed for users who already have an ATEN KVM Switch.

With their unique, advanced features, ATEN LCD KVM switches are the most convenient and efficient means to managing enterprise centralized server room operations.