Dynamic Device Mapping
Encyclopedia
KVM switch
A KVM switch is a hardware device that allows a user to control multiple computers from a single keyboard, video monitor and mouse. Although multiple computers are connected to the KVM, typically a smaller number of computers can be controlled at any given time...
es which is sometimes implemented as an alternative to standard USB keyboard
Keyboard (computing)
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
and mouse
Mouse (computing)
In computing, a mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more buttons...
emulation.
Design
With DDM (Dynamic Device Mapping) Technology, the communication between shared peripherals and all connected systems are maintained 100% of the time, even as a user switches between the KVM ports. This makes generic device emulation unnecessary as the DDM allows each connected computer system to believe all connected I/OI/O
I/O may refer to:* Input/output, a system of communication for information processing systems* Input-output model, an economic model of flow prediction between sectors...
devices are remaining connected even as the KVM switch
KVM switch
A KVM switch is a hardware device that allows a user to control multiple computers from a single keyboard, video monitor and mouse. Although multiple computers are connected to the KVM, typically a smaller number of computers can be controlled at any given time...
might move to another port.
KVM device emulation
Many USB KVM devicesKVM switch
A KVM switch is a hardware device that allows a user to control multiple computers from a single keyboard, video monitor and mouse. Although multiple computers are connected to the KVM, typically a smaller number of computers can be controlled at any given time...
provide peripheral emulation
Hardware emulation
In integrated circuit design, hardware emulation is the process of imitating the behavior of one or more pieces of hardware with another piece of hardware, typically a special purpose emulation system. The emulation model is usually based on RTL source code, which is compiled into the format...
, sending signals to the computers that are not currently selected to simulate a keyboard, mouse and monitor being connected. The emulation is used to avoid problems with machines which may reboot in unattended operation. Peripheral emulation
Hardware emulation
In integrated circuit design, hardware emulation is the process of imitating the behavior of one or more pieces of hardware with another piece of hardware, typically a special purpose emulation system. The emulation model is usually based on RTL source code, which is compiled into the format...
services embedded in the hardware also provides continuous support where computers require constant communication with the peripheral
Peripheral
A peripheral is a device attached to a host computer, but not part of it, and is more or less dependent on the host. It expands the host's capabilities, but does not form part of the core computer architecture....
s. In addition, some types of computer systems do not treat USB devices as hot-pluggable, which means the keyboard and mouse will not be re-detected when switching back to a particular KVM port. For these types of systems, it is necessary to implement device emulation.
Standard device emulation has its limitations. When emulating a USB keyboard, mouse, and monitor it is impossible for most KVM's to simulate various types of I/O devices specifically. As a result, KVM switch
KVM switch
A KVM switch is a hardware device that allows a user to control multiple computers from a single keyboard, video monitor and mouse. Although multiple computers are connected to the KVM, typically a smaller number of computers can be controlled at any given time...
es will sometimes offer inconsistent performance and even sometimes unsolved compatibility issues with the shared keyboard, mouse, and other devices. The intent of Dynamic Device Mapping is to resolve the issues that standard device mapping sometimes faces.
Applications for USB DDM
- Sharing Touchscreen Monitor among connected systems
- Integrated Multi-vendor Self-service Kiosk systems
- Secured user login by sharing USB Smart cardSmart cardA smart card, chip card, or integrated circuit card , is any pocket-sized card with embedded integrated circuits. A smart card or microprocessor cards contain volatile memory and microprocessor components. The card is made of plastic, generally polyvinyl chloride, but sometimes acrylonitrile...
or fingerprint/BiometricsBiometricsBiometrics As Jain & Ross point out, "the term biometric authentication is perhaps more appropriate than biometrics since the latter has been historically used in the field of statistics to refer to the analysis of biological data [36]" . consists of methods...
scanner/reader