[SOLVED] does Linux support kvm switches?

cokes · 03-14-2018, 07:38 AM

Does Linux support kvm switches?

schneidz · 03-14-2018, 07:43 AM

probably, the point of kvm is to be able to hot switch among varying os's.

Soadyheid · 03-14-2018, 08:25 AM

Hi and welcome to Linux Questions!

KVM switches are OS transparent as far as I know. The system just sees a mouse, keyboard, monitor and optionally, speakers, as if they were individually connected.

I use a Roline KVM which can hot key mouse, keyboard, video and audio speakers between 4 systems via four cable tails, each with SVGA, USB and an audio jack.

Just use

Code:

<Scroll Lock><Scroll Lock>1,2,3 or 4<Enter>

to switch between systems.

Easy!

Play Bonny!

scasey · 03-14-2018, 11:24 AM

Currently using a KVM switch with five PCs connected...one is a docked laptop. It and four desktops are running various CentOS versions, one desktop running Windows 10.
As has been stated, KVM switches are about connecting one Keyboard Video and Mouse to several computers. They don't care what the computers are...they just switch those peripherals.

The only problems I've had are dealing with PS2 to USB connections, as my KVM is PS2, and some of the PCs don't have enough (or any) PS2 connections.

Turbocapitalist · 03-14-2018, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cokes

Does Linux support kvm switches?

Yes.

https://www.linux-kvm.org/page/Management_Tools

Also Qemu uses -enable-kvm to switch on full KVM support for that instance of the VM.

ceantuco · 03-14-2018, 02:36 PM

Yes it will work. We have a 16 port Belkin KVM switch. No issues switching between windows and linux servers.

AwesomeMachine · 03-15-2018, 07:49 AM

With a KVM switch sometimes the video is set incorrectly, because not all of them are transparent to the EDID in the monitor.

frankbell · 03-15-2018, 08:22 PM

Yes. I've been using a KVM switch for years to switch between Linux and Linux and between Linux and Windows.

KVM switches operate at the hardware level.

cokes · 03-19-2018, 01:56 AM

Thanks to everyone who replied to my question re KVM switches. I now have plenty of info.Cheers cokes