Black Box DKM FX Compact HD Video and Peripheral Matrix Switch — 8-Port I/O Module

Experience unparalleled control and scalability with the Black Box DKM FX Compact HD Video and Peripheral Matrix Switch. This 8-port I/O module is designed to deliver high-definition video, reliable peripheral sharing, and centralized management within a compact form factor. In maximum configuration, up to 8 independent ports can be defined and switched as a console or a CPU, empowering IT and operations teams to dynamically allocate resources without swapping hardware. Ideal for data centers, control rooms, laboratories, and enterprise environments, this module integrates seamlessly into the Black Box DKM FX ecosystem to provide a robust, secure, and flexible KVM matrix solution. Whether you’re consolidating multiple workstations, enabling remote administration, or enabling rapid switchovers during maintenance windows, this compact module helps you streamline workflows and reduce clutter while maintaining peak performance across your KVM and peripheral network.

• In maximum configuration, up to 8 independent ports can be defined and switched as a console or a CPU. This capability provides flexible resource allocation, allowing administrators to repurpose endpoints on demand to support changing operations, fault isolation, or load balancing across multiple systems without hardware changes or downtime.
• Compact design: 8-Port KVM CATx matrix switch that saves rack space while delivering robust performance. The compact form factor is ideal for dense rack installations and constrained environments, enabling easy deployment in server rooms, labs, or edge locations without sacrificing reliability or speed.
• Central management for all attached endpoints, including firmware upgrades, user access control, configuration, and scalable administration. Centralized control reduces administration overhead, enforces security policies, and simplifies firmware lifecycle management across the entire endpoint set.
• HD video and peripheral matrix switching enables secure, responsive control across multiple workstations and peripheral devices. Share keyboards, mice, and USB HID devices across endpoints while maintaining crisp HD video, ensuring operators have real-time visibility and control.
• Flexible topology with seamless matrix switching between multiple consoles and CPUs, supporting scalable expansion and consolidated operations. This topology adapts to growing work environments, supports multi-user access, and minimizes cross-domain cable clutter.

The DKM FX family is engineered for performance and reliability, delivering low-latency switching and deterministic behavior essential for mission-critical operations. With HD video support and a focused emphasis on peripheral mobility, you can create a responsive, secure workspace where administrators can quickly route signals, reassign endpoints, and manage configurations from a single interface. The 8-port module is designed to integrate with existing KVM infrastructure, enabling a smooth migration path for organizations upgrading to matrix-based control while preserving compatibility with legacy consoles and CPUs. In everyday use, this translates to faster incident response, more efficient maintenance windows, and a more scalable architecture that can grow with your organization’s demands.

Technical Details of Black Box DKM FX Compact HD Video and Peripheral Matrix Switch

The Technical Details section provides a concise overview of the module’s architecture, connectivity, and management capabilities. The 8-port I/O module is built to operate within the Black Box DKM FX ecosystem, balancing compact form factor with robust performance for HD video, peripheral sharing, and centralized administration. This module enables matrix switching across consoles and CPUs, ensuring that administrators can allocate resources where they’re needed most and maintain tight control over access and configuration across all endpoints. Designed for reliability and ease of deployment, it reduces cabling complexity while delivering scalable, enterprise-grade control for multi-system environments.

• Ports: Up to 8 independent I/O ports for console/CPU mapping and matrix switching.
• Connection type: KVM over CATx connections to integrate with existing cabling infrastructure and extend reach between endpoints and the matrix.
• Video support: High-definition video switching to preserve display clarity and responsiveness for operators working across multiple systems.
• Management: Centralized management of attached endpoints, including firmware upgrades, user access control, and configuration persistence.
• Form factor: Compact 8-port I/O module designed for efficient space utilization in cabinets and racks.

Additional technical considerations include compatibility with standard KVM peripherals and the ability to securely enforce access policies across users and groups. The module is engineered to minimize latency and jitter in video and input signals, providing a seamless experience for control room operators, IT administrators, and end-users who rely on rapid, dependable cross-device control. When deployed as part of a broader DKM FX solution, this module benefits from centralized monitoring, consistent firmware lifecycle management, and unified security controls, delivering a cohesive, scalable platform for mission-critical workflows.

How to Install Black Box DKM FX Compact HD Video and Peripheral Matrix Switch

• Plan the topology: Determine which devices will act as consoles and CPUs, then map each endpoint to a dedicated port on the 8-port I/O module to optimize switching paths and minimize crossover traffic.
• Prepare the hardware: Mount or place the 8-port I/O module in a suitable enclosure or rack, ensuring proper airflow and access to power, management interfaces, and cabling routes.
• Connect endpoints: Use CATx cables to connect consoles and CPUs to the appropriate ports. Maintain clear labeling and a documented port map for future changes and troubleshooting.
• Establish management access: Connect the module to the management network or management console as required by your IT policy. Power up the device and verify initial communications with the central management system.
• Configure and secure: Access the management interface to perform a firmware upgrade if available, create or enforce user access roles, configure port mappings, and set policy controls. Save and back up the configuration for rapid recovery.
• Test and validate: Perform end-to-end testing by switching between consoles and CPUs, verifying video quality, latency, and peripheral responsiveness. Validate access permissions and ensure security policies apply across all endpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the purpose of the 8-Port I/O Module? It provides a compact, scalable matrix switch that defines up to 8 independent ports, which can be configured as consoles or CPUs to support flexible KVM and peripheral switching across multiple endpoints.
• Can I manage firmware updates and access control centrally? Yes. The module supports centralized management, including firmware upgrades, user access control, and configuration across all attached endpoints, enabling consistent security and governance.
• What type of cabling is used? The system uses CATx connections to link consoles, CPUs, and peripheral devices to the matrix, reducing cable clutter and enabling flexible deployment.
• Is this compatible with other Black Box DKM FX components? Yes. The 8-Port I/O Module is designed to integrate with the DKM FX ecosystem, providing scalable, centralized control when deployed with compatible KVM switches, management software, and endpoints.
• What environments benefit most from this solution? Data centers, control rooms, laboratories, enterprise IT floors, and any environment requiring rapid, secure switching between multiple consoles and CPUs with centralized administration and HD video support.