Cables-to-Go Port Authority 2 KVM Switch Review

Like most that make their living in the world of ones and zeros, I have a small server farm at home.  Mine is squirreled away in a spare bedroom, most in the closet, but some spilling out onto a table.  There are to a total of three servers and two workstations in this little set-up and it would be next to impossible to set up a separate keyboard, mouse and monitor for all of the computers; they share a common keyboard, mouse and monitor via a four-port Cables-to-Go Port Authority 2 Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) switch, or console. 

My Viewpoint

Once I set the Port Authority 2 up (a fairly easy process) I was ready to start using the console.  Push buttons below each LED allow you to easily select the computer you want to access.  There are actually two LED's above each push button; a yellow LED tells you that there is a computer attached to the port and that it is powered on; while the red LED indicated which computer is currently being viewed, or currently being worked with. 

You can use almost any PS/2 keyboard or mouse (including optical) with the Port Authority 2, including those fitted with a USB connection, if you in turn utilize a USB to PS/2 converter.  The Port Authority 2 will only accept a PS/2 keyboard and mouse connector inputs.  And you can utilize both standard CRT and LCD monitors with the switch.  There are also a number of keyboard short-cut keys for switching between the computers that are designed to save you time.         

As with most KVM switches, all of the ports (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) on the Port Authority 2 are female allowing one to purchase third party KVM cables (KVM cables attach the PC to the unit) if need be.  As it is I purchased a set of (4) KVM 6 foot cables with Port Authority 2.  Both ends of the KVM cable are male.  It is worth noting that some KVM models ship with cables. 

Concluding Viewpoint

I am very happy with the Port Authority 2; it saves me space and time by allowing my to run four computers from one keyboard, mouse and monitor.  Since all of the cabling to the computers is in the back of the unit, placement is relatively easy, but of course you'll have to allow for cable overhang.  And I like the innovative approach of putting the keyboard and mouse ports on the front of the unit, vice the back.  Since installing the relatively inexpensive (it cost me less than $75.00) Port Authority 2 over two years ago, it has yet to let me down, and I highly recommend it.