Black Box ServSwitch Single DVI CATx KVM Extender, USB, Receiver

The Black Box ServSwitch Single DVI CATx KVM Extender, USB, Receiver is a purpose-built solution for IT professionals who need long-distance, reliable access to their servers and workstations. This extender pair lets you place a USB keyboard and mouse, along with a DVI-D monitor, on a remote KVM console up to 400 feet away from the host computer over a standard CATx cable. By consolidating video and USB signals into a single copper link, it reduces cable clutter, cuts the need for multiple local consoles, and supports a tidy, centralized management workflow. Whether you manage a data center, a production floor, or distributed IT infrastructure, this KVM extender delivers the control you expect with the flexibility your environment demands. Its compact transmitter and receiver housings are designed for rack or shelf installation and are built to operate in busy technical spaces where space and reliability matter most. The system is engineered for straightforward deployment, minimal maintenance, and enduring performance, making it a smart upgrade for organizations seeking to optimize their remote administration capabilities without sacrificing responsiveness or display clarity.

With seamless integration into existing IT environments, the ServSwitch Single DVI CATx KVM Extender supports standard USB keyboards and mice, paired with a DVI-D monitor. This ensures that administrators and technicians experience native, familiar input and viewing ports at the remote site, reducing the learning curve and eliminating the need for additional peripherals. The DVI-D video channel preserves crisp text and graphics, which is essential for BIOS access, system diagnostics, and software installation tasks performed from a remote console. The extender’s design emphasizes user-centric performance—fast input response, dependable video refresh, and consistent display timing across the link—so operators can work efficiently as if they were seated at the host system. Beyond basic control, the device is intended to simplify facility wiring, streamline asset management, and improve uptime by enabling rapid remote troubleshooting and maintenance without relocating personnel or hardware.

Security and reliability are at the forefront of the ServSwitch approach. The extender supports a point-to-point configuration that minimizes potential points of failure and reduces latency between the host and the remote console. The simple, robust topology—transmitter at the host and receiver at the remote workstation—helps IT teams implement consistent configurations across multiple racks or rooms. Because only a single CATx cable is required for the link, installation is quicker and less disruptive than cascading fiber solutions or multi-cable approaches. The modular design also makes future upgrades or relocations easier, allowing teams to reorganize their server rooms or expand the reach of remote management without major rewiring. In addition, the system is designed to work with commonly deployed cabling standards, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure while maintaining a compact footprint that fits into tight spaces and dense equipment racks.

• Extends up to 400 feet (121.9 meters) over CATx cabling, enabling centralized control across large data floors, server rooms, or distributed office spaces. This distance capability reduces the need for adjacent workstations and simplifies rack-to-desk layouts, enhancing operator comfort and efficiency. The transmitter sits near the host computer or server, while the receiver end sits near the remote KVM console, creating a straightforward, scalable extension path that accommodates growth and reconfiguration as your IT estate evolves. Cable management becomes easier with a single, predictable link, and maintenance overhead drops because troubleshooting focuses on a single extender pair rather than multiple, disparate connections.

• Video fidelity via DVI-D single-link support delivers clear, sharp imagery suitable for system BIOS, diagnostics, and regular desktop tasks. The extender preserves video quality across the link so administrators can read small text, interpret graphs, and monitor dashboards without squinting or strain. EDID passthrough helps ensure the host computer and display maintain proper timing and resolution, reducing display glitches during installation or remote work. This is especially valuable in environments where operators need to inspect error codes, firmware menus, or configuration screens while distant from the server hardware, ensuring a smooth, distraction-free management experience.

• USB keyboard and mouse support at the remote console enables full control of the host system from afar. The USB channel carries essential input signals without requiring additional adapters, so operators can perform routine tasks, run software installers, and manage user sessions as if they were physically in front of the computer. The design aims for low latency and reliable input, making it suitable for time-sensitive operations such as server maintenance windows, live migrations, or remote troubleshooting in data centers, labs, or control rooms. By minimizing the need for on-site personnel, this extender supports flexible staffing and rapid incident response across distributed IT environments.

• Plug-and-play installation with status-driven operation reduces setup time and technical complexity. The transmitter connects to the host’s video output and USB, while the receiver mirrors those connections for the remote console. A CATx link ties the two units together, and intuitive LEDs provide quick indicators for link integrity and activity. This straightforward configuration minimizes downtime during deployment and allows teams to document standard procedures for future installations. The result is a scalable, repeatable solution that can be rolled out across multiple rooms or facilities with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

• Durable, space-conscious design supports deployment in demanding environments. The compact enclosures fit neatly into standard racks or on equipment shelves, while the robust construction withstands the rigors of busy data centers and office environments. The configuration supports a clean, organized wiring scheme that helps technicians locate and manage connections with ease. For facilities looking to reduce clutter and improve reliability, the ServSwitch extender offers a practical balance of performance, ease of use, and physical resilience—an ideal fit for IT teams seeking a trusted, long-term solution for remote console access.

Technical Details of Black Box ServSwitch Single DVI CATx KVM Extender, USB, Receiver

• UPC/SKU: Not provided in this listing
• Distance extension: Up to 400 ft (121.9 m) over CATx cable
• Video interface: DVI-D single-link; compatible with standard high-definition resolutions typical for office and data-center workloads
• USB support: Local and remote USB keyboard and mouse connectivity via the extender path
• System topology: Transmitter (host side) and Receiver (remote console side) paired to form a complete extender link

how to install Black Box ServSwitch Single DVI CATx KVM Extender, USB, Receiver

• Position the transmitter near the computer or server you want to control. Connect the host’s video output to the transmitter’s DVI-D input and attach a USB keyboard and mouse to the transmitter’s USB ports. Verify that any required drivers or firmware are up to date and ensure the host system can display to the connected monitor.

• Place the receiver near the remote KVM console. Connect the remote monitor to the receiver’s DVI-D output and attach the remote USB keyboard and mouse. Confirm that the monitor is capable of displaying the expected resolution and that the USB peripherals are recognized by the console.

• Run a CATx cable between the transmitter and the receiver. Use a quality CATx cable that meets or exceeds the network cabling standards appropriate for your environment. Avoid kinks and sharp bends to maintain signal integrity over the extended distance.

• Power both units if required by your specific kit configuration. Check power indicators on each unit to confirm proper operation, and ensure that the link LED indicates a healthy connection between transmitter and receiver before proceeding.

• Power on the host and remote console, then test keyboard input, mouse movement, and video display from the remote location. If needed, adjust display resolution or EDID settings on the host to optimize visual performance for the remote monitor. Conduct a quick functional test to verify that remote control, BIOS access, and software interfaces respond accurately through the extender link.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the maximum distance? A: Up to 400 feet (121.9 meters) over CATx cable.

• Q: What devices are supported? A: DVI-D monitor, USB keyboard and mouse at the remote console; basic USB peripherals supported over the extender path.

• Q: Do I need external power? A: External power is typically required for reliable operation, depending on the kit configuration; refer to included adapters for your specific model.

• Q: Can I extend multiple displays? A: This is a DVI-D single-link extender designed for one monitor channel; for multi-monitor setups, consider alternative solutions designed for multi-display configurations.

• Q: Is EDID/HDCP supported? A: EDID passthrough is commonly supported to maintain correct display timing; HDCP support depends on host and monitor capabilities and may vary by configuration.