CatX KVM extenders are devices that extend the distance that a keyboard, monitor and mouse (Console) can be placed from a computer or most brands of KVM switch. CatX KVM extenders can also extend the connection from a computer to audio devices.

CatX KVM extenders were first introduced to the Data Centre market to overcome the distance dependent bandwidth limitations of traditional VGA cable and the distance limitations of the PS/2 protocol.

CatX KVM transmitters can all be powered directly from the attached PC, server or (most) KVM switches. All the Catx KVM range of transmitters (CatX Universal Tx and CatX Universal Tx2) are compatible with both 150m and 300m ( CatX Console or CatX Supervisor) receivers.

CatX Console receivers are Console only extenders, whereas CatX Supervisor receivers also incorporate the facility for a local PC or KVM switch. The CatX KVM extender range are not only used in Data Centres but in any environment where remote access to a computer is required.

The SVGA HD15 connector is by far the most common interface used to connect a display to a computer. The VGA standard originally supported a resolution of 640 x 480 and it was possible to extend VGA up to a distance of 150 metres or more over good quality VGA cable. However, high quality VGA cable is dual shielded and contains mini coax cores to carry the colour signals. This makes the cable thick, stiff, difficult to terminate and install and is therefore a poor choice for long distance cable runs. Also, modern computer graphics cards still utilise the VGA connector and cable, but now resolutions of 1920 x 1080p are not uncommon. These high resolution computer graphic cards will not transmit well over long distances of VGA cable as the high frequency signal components suffer severe degradation and result in a poor quality image.

CatX KVM extenders will maintain image quality and peripheral signals (mouse & keyboard) up to 150m or 300m depending on the CatX KVM extender that is installed.

In addition to this, the PS/2 keyboard and mouse protocol is only designed to run to a distance of about 5m, so longer keyboard and mouse cables do not work with all peripherals. This combination of factors means that the VGA and PS/2 protocols must be modified in some way for successful long distance transmission, and this is what the CatX KVM extenders are designed to achieve.