subject: Terminal Switch Jobs And Specifications [print this page] A terminal switch is an electrical component which can interrupt the electric flow between two terminals to break the electric circuit. A switch can be in either two states, open or closed. Open means that the contacts are nonconducting and separated, closed means that the contacts are touching so electricity can flow between them. The switch may either be manual or automatic, depending on the features of the device.
Many terminal switching devices are used to connect multiple computers to one single hub, allowing them to be controlled from one location. These devices are convenient for people who want to connect multiple computers to one server. The terminal consists of a black box with a number of plug outlets for computers to connect to. Instead of connecting each PC to servers, they connect to a terminal which automatically links all the computers together.
A terminal switch can either be used in conjunction with a server, or it can function independently. Independent terminals usually have a firewall integrated into the device to protect its computers from potential security breaches. A series of buttons is included in the front so a user can manually switch between which computers are being used. Each plug port is assigned a number, and there is a corresponding number which will switch the terminal to that computer. Automatic switches need to be connected to a computer to display a menu dialog of all the connected devices. Many new models have both manual and automatic features which allow users to switch computers using either the terminal buttons or software interface.
These devices can either use LAN or IP to connect to other computers. If all the clients are in the same building, then using LAN is the simplest and most secure option. However, computers which are scattered over long distances will require an internet connection to gain access to them. Internet access is far more convenient than LAN because it allows users to access and troubleshoot other computers from anywhere in the world as long as the central server is turned on.
A CAT-5 terminal switch extender uses standard RJ45 connects and CAT-5 cables, but they do not run over a LAN network. In some ways they work like a LAN terminal, but the only difference is that they use CAT-5 grade cables. Most CAT-5 remote setups are done locally, so the computers cannot be accessed through the internet. A KVM extender is a cross between KVM over IP and a standard terminal. Their range is only efficient within a few hundred feet, making it unusable for interstate or intercontinental connections. CAT-5 is a faster and more secure cable compared to LAN, making it the better choice if you can afford it.
