Question Do I need 2 upstream cables to run the mouse and keyboard of 2 desktop PCs on the Dell KVM U3223QE monitor?

[charles_i]

In order to use one keyboard and one mouse with 2 desktop PCs, do I need to connect 2 upstream cables (only one port is marked upstream but I believe the #5 port which is just marked USB-C is also an upstream) or do I need to connect the second PC with a USB-A to USB-C cable? Currently I have both PCs connected with HDMI cables and one connected with the upstream cable, but the keyboard and mouse do not work on the second computer, of course.

If I need another upstream cable does it have to be rated high speed? The monitor only came with one upstream cable.

The online information and videos that I have looked at, surprisingly, do not address this exact issue.

Charles

 

[Aeacus]

In order to use one keyboard and one mouse with 2 desktop PCs, do I need to connect 2 upstream cables

Umm.... when you'd use KVM Switch, where you share KB/mice/monitor between two PCs, each PC would only need to have image output cable and USB input cable.

Further reading about KVM Switches: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-kvm-switches

But you don't say that you're using KVM Switch, so, it is difficult to understand how you have them currently connected.

 

[charles_i]

I'm not using a KVM switch because this model of monitor has KVM built into it.
Dell monitor - this monitor has several upstream and downstream connections.

What I'm asking is can one upstream cable work for 2 PCs? It seems like the answer is I need 2. I'm connecting with 2 HDMI cables and they will not connect to the wifi mouse and keyboard connections.

I'm hoping someone familiar with these monitors can answer this as they are quite complicated.

 

[Aeacus]

What I'm asking is can one upstream cable work for 2 PCs?

Well, it can if you put the USB switch on the other end and then split the cable where each individual cable goes to the dedicated PC. Then it is just the matter of flipping the switch on USB switch, to switch between two PCs.

I'm connecting with 2 HDMI cables and they will not connect to the wifi mouse and keyboard connections.

Well, yeah. HDMI is display cable. It doesn't carry USB connectivity, needed for KB/mice.