Definitions:

A KVM switch is a hardware device that allows a single (K)eyboard, (V)ideo monitor and (M)ouse to be used to access several computers. They are most commonly used in server rooms.

VNC is a program that allows a computer to be remotely accessed by another machine. You can see the other PC's desktop on your own. Other programs that can do the same include PCAnywhere, and Terminal Services.

My Idea:

Create a KVM switch that also works as a VNC server. This would allow remote machines to administer machines that don't have VNC installed.

Q: Why would someone want this? What does this give you that regularly installed VNC can't?
A:
1. Sometimes a machine might have a serious problem that prevents VNC from working.
2. VNC itself might crash or become corrupted.
3. If you are installing a new OS, you won't be able to use VNC until after the OS is fully installed (and after VNC is installed).

Q: How would it work?
A: I have thought of 3 ways it might work.
1) The KVM switch would include a CPU and a video capture board. The video would be converted to a bitmap and the CPU would deliver the video to any connected VNC clients. This would raise the overall price of the KVM switch by quite a bit of course.
2) A special video card transmits whats in the video memory across a high-speed digital cable (e.g. firewire) to the KVM switch. This would require installation of the video card in each machine, but the KVM switch would require less circuitry (as it won't need any video circuits). This card could also provide keyboard and mouse circuitry.
3) Write special BIOS and video drivers.
This is the cheapest solution, but I'm not sure if it would work. The BIOS or video driver would directly transmit changes to the KVM switch along a digital cable. Actually, you could use a standard PC as the KVM switch.

What do you think of this idea or comment?
(You can change your vote at any time)

I agree

No opinion

I disagree