Question KVM Switch Help

[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