Question Help with KVM Switch ?

[R93LFC]

I have recently purchased a PC.

The monitors are currently connected with DP cables.

But, I'm looking to use my work laptop seamlessly.

The work laptop only has one HDMI output (no DP).

What ports do I need on a KVM switch for this to work? The ones I keep seeing say that the laptop needs to be connected by both DP and HDMI to the switch?

Or, can I run HDMI from laptop to switch and connect both the DP and HDMI leads to one monitor, so that it uses the relevant output whether going to laptop or base unit?

Hope that makes sense, thanks in advance.

 

[Ralston18]

You should not need to connect both DP and HDMI from the laptop unless you are using a dual monitor setup. One monitor connected via DP and the other monitor connected via HDMI.

That can be done if required.

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The KVM switch allows you to use a single Keyboard, Video, and Mouse with two or more computers be the computers desktop, laptop, or a mix of both. The KVM has a switch that allows you to select which computer is being used. There are automatic KVMs available.

Laptops can be used directly or placed into a docking station that is, in turn, connected to the KVM.

There are many available KVM switches that support both common connectivity requirements as well as custom builds if there are some requirements for doing so. There are KVMs for multiple computers ( more than 2 ) and reverse KVMs as well.

I would not expect that you will need a custom KVM nor a reverse KVM.

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Google or otherwise search for "KVM images and diagrams".

You will find quite a number of diagrams and sketches.

Find a diagram format that you like and sketch out a simple diagram using that format.

The diagram does not need to be fancy. Just simple and easy to understand. Basically a plan to work from.

However, the diagram must show all devices, all device ports, port types, genders, cables, cable ends (type and gender).

You may also need some adapters and/or additional cables.

The diagram will help you work out the requirements and perhaps raise other questions or concerns to be addressed.

Then you use the diagram to look for KVM switches that match your requirements with respect to the inputs and outputs.

On the diagram check what you have and indicate what needs to be obtained.

Objective being to see the "big picture", document the requirements, and proceed accordingly to obtain all that is needed.

You can scan or photograph your diagram and post it here via imgur (www.imgur.com).

There may be other ideas and suggestions.

 

[R93LFC]

Thanks for the reply and the information.

I should have made it clearer that I'm using a dual monitor setup.

My thoughts were connected laptop via HDMI to switch, connect one monitor by HDMI and DP and the other by DP only. Then connect the base unit via DP to the switch also.

Would that idea allow the PC to use the DP connections, but the laptop the HDMI connection?

I'll have a Google too, to try and get a clearer idea of the setup.

Thanks again.

 

[BFG-9000]

If your monitors are daisy-chained then both the 1st monitor and laptop must support Multi-Stream Transport.

HDMI to Displayport adapters cannot do this whether active, passive or in a switch/hub, because HDMI doesn't support it. If your laptop has a USB-C port which can also output Displayport signals then that could work, or if it's a business-class laptop you could get the docking station for it which may offer more video outputs.

 

[R93LFC]

Hi,

Me again 😅

I've decided I don't necessarily need to use dual monitor for work (I could use the laptop + one monitor)

I have a KVM switch with dual DP Ports, would it work if I put a single monitor into it, connect the laptop via USB-C to DP cables and then connect the second monitor directly to my PC?

So that the switch would pick up one of them for both devices and the other would run directly, or would I connect both monitors to the switch and only one connection from laptop?

Sorry for all the questions.

Thanks

 

[Ralston18]

Diagram/sketch?

One concern would be that a loop of some sort is created.

E.g.: Device A connected to Device B connected to Device C connected to Device D connected to Device A.

You can use the diagram for planning, revising, checking...

 

[R93LFC]

Diagram/sketch?

One concern would be that a loop of some sort is created.

E.g.: Device A connected to Device B connected to Device C connected to Device D connected to Device A.

You can use the diagram for planning, revising, checking...

Hope this makes sense

https://imgur.com/a/8jM0GYV

View: https://imgur.com/a/8jM0GYV

 

[Ralston18]

Helpful.

Just to be sure: what is that third incoming KVM connection?

Top to bottom = Keyboard, Mouse, ???

Double check all of the ports and cables: type and gender. Update the sketch accordingly.

Check the PC's and laptop's GPU Control Panel(s) with respect to dual monitor use.

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I would be concerned about the power connections and the creation of a ground loop.

FYI:

https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/bl...them?msockid=03f0083f7b996f5f22e61d157a026e70

https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FAQ000259682/

You can easily find other similar explanations and diagrams.

May not be a problem at all. However, if strange things start happening then keep the possibily in mind.

There may be other ideas and suggestions.

 

[R93LFC]

Helpful.

Just to be sure: what is that third incoming KVM connection?

Top to bottom = Keyboard, Mouse, ???

Double check all of the ports and cables: type and gender. Update the sketch accordingly.

Check the PC's and laptop's GPU Control Panel(s) with respect to dual monitor use.

= = = =

I would be concerned about the power connections and the creation of a ground loop.

FYI:

https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/bl...them?msockid=03f0083f7b996f5f22e61d157a026e70

https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FAQ000259682/

You can easily find other similar explanations and diagrams.

May not be a problem at all. However, if strange things start happening then keep the possibily in mind.

There may be other ideas and suggestions.

Thanks for that.

Really helpful information in there.

The third connection is a headset (thought I'd removed it before uploading).

I'll check the ports and cables once home.

The PC is currently running on dual monitor, just trying to implement the laptop to tidy up my desk, just seems slightly difficult with the two monitors.


Will update the sketch ASAP and post it.

Thanks again.

 

[Ralston18]

KVM switches can use Dual Monitors.

I.e., dual monitors when the Laptop is in use or likewise dual monitors when the desktop is in use.

Both monitors would connect directly to the KVM if the applicable ports and/or port adapters are used.

Along with the applicable video cables and connectors between laptop and KVM plus PC and KVM.

Remember that you can use "WIN" + "P" (Project) to setup the required dual monitor screen selection.

Options being: PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, Second screen only.

For example something similar to the following product (not a recommendation or endorsement):

https://www.amazon.com/Switches-Com...sc=1&msclkid=ebe9f8914ea3122c713c9fb452369294

(Note the images and the video. Look at the ports being shown. There are other video port combinations available.)

Feel free to look for other KVM products that meet your requirements.

Keep working on the sketch and the required details.

May take a few revisions but you will likely understand more about it all and then be able to plan out an overall working KVM environment that meets your requirements.