Multiple workstations for single PC

Nodakk

Commendable
Jun 1, 2016
3
0
1,510
Hey guys, I'm not a noob when it comes to computers but I'm usually several years behind in tech. I've searched around and found questions similar to mine but not exactly the same thing, I wasn't quite sure which category to post under so I just picked this one.

What I want is to have multiple workstations set up around the house (Monitor, kb, and mouse) all somehow connecting via ethernet to a central PC. Only one workstation would be active at a time so there's no need for multi-seat setups or anything like that. The PC is running Win7 Pro if it matters.

What I'm hoping for is a 'direct' connection as though the computer thinks each workstation is a directly connected set of peripherals. Sort of like a reverse KVM switch but over ethernet.

Anyone know of anything out there that could accomplish this? I assume not, but it would be nice. I currently have multiple PC's spread around the house and they're in the way and noisy.

I appreciate any feedback!


btw, I've thought about using some kind of small zero client but they seem to require the central PC to be running a server OS or you have to use remote desktop which would preclude me from any gaming over the connection. (light gaming, WoW, WoT, etc. No crazy FPS stuff)
 


It would be 3 workstations, 4 if you include the one actually at the PC itself. As far as budget I'm not sure, I only have a few hundred to start but if it's a good solution that works well I'd be willing to buy & build in stages as the money came available.

*edit: I found a HDMI extender that can be used with my existing network switches, that would take care of the monitors and sound, but I'm still not sure how to deal with the mouse & keyboard. I thought of just having 3 sets of wireless mouse/kb combos but I'm not sure they would work over the distances involved (one is about 80 feet away in my work shop).