About Hama Data Switchboxes

Function

A Hama data switchbox is a form of appliance used to connect multiple devices, such as computers, printers or scanners. Acting as a KVM switch, it is beneficial to users who use more than one computer, but would like to use only one keyboard, monitor and mouse to control them. Most people working in the technical areas of computing--such as developers, software engineers, server administrators and computer-support personnel--often use a KVM-type of switch to control the multiple devices they must use to accomplish their daily tasks.

Back view of a Hama data switchbox
A Hama data switchbox has a control knob at the front. Turning the knob to the right (clockwise) lets you point to a letter that corresponds to a computer or device connected to the back of the switchbox. (For example, the letter "A" controls port "A".) The back of the unit consists of the Input/Output port and the peripheral connection ports (USB, serial and parallel) for the monitor, keyboard and mouse for each computer.

Another feature of the Hama is its speed: The data switchbox can work at a rate of up to 54Mbps to allow for faster data transfers.

All-USB connection ports
There are various types of Hama data switchboxes, with different types and numbers of peripheral ports and each one. There are all-USB connection ports, all-serial, all-parallel and mixed ports. A Hama data switchbox 4:1 can handle four devices for one user, while a Hama data switchbox 6:1 will allow six devices for one user. In an enterprise application, there can be hundreds of connections for a single Hama data switchbox.

Technical personnel like server administrators use Hama data switchboxes to control multiple servers in different racks, using only one keyboard, monitor and mouse. Doing so saves money by eliminating the need to purchase for each server its own keyboard, monitor and mouse. In a huge enterprise environment, where servers number in the hundreds or thousands, using a Hama data switchbox saves not only money but server rack space. Another benefit is the energy savings: Since it takes electricity to power monitors, eliminating them reduces the company's electric bill. The switchbox also saves time. Instead of going from one computer or server to the next to fulfill her work, an employee can remain in one location to control these devices.

Prior to using a Hama data switchbox, make sure you have all the necessary cables. Ensure that the cables are long enough to reach the devices, especially in an enterprise application, in which multiple servers share the same rack. Label each cable with the corresponding connector-label designation on both ends. This will eliminate confusion when you are trying to troubleshoot and transfer connections.

Also, take into consideration how many people will use the Hama data switchbox. In an enterprise application in which more than one user will need access, a company can maximize productivity and work efficiency by dividing the number of servers and assigning them to different server administrators. Each administrator will have his own designated Hama data switchbox attached to the servers they will support.