ATEN 8-Port USB - PS/2 VGA KVM Switch with USB Peripheral port

The ATEN CS1708A KVM switch is an 8-port control unit that lets one keyboard, mouse and monitor (PS/2 or USB) access multiple computers. It supports both USB and PS/2 keyboard/mouse connections and VGA video output, and can be daisy-chained with up to 31 additional switches to control as many as 256 computers from a single console. The unit is housed in a 1U metal enclosure suitable for rack mounting and includes a front-panel USB port that allows a single peripheral to be connected to each selected computer.

Advantages

The CS1708A provides centralized control of up to eight computers with support for USB and PS/2 consoles and VGA monitors. Its daisy-chain capability expands control to a maximum of 256 systems from one keyboard-monitor-mouse setup. The switch is built into a durable 1U metal chassis for rack installation, consumes low power (typical 5 W), and includes front-panel USB access for sharing peripherals. Compliance with RoHS ensures it meets common environmental standards.

Suitable for

• Server rooms and network cabinets requiring compact 1U rack-mounted KVM solutions
• IT administrators who need to control multiple PCs or servers from one console
• Environments using mixed USB and PS/2 keyboards/mice with VGA monitors

Key specifications

• Brand: ATEN
• Model: CS1708A (MPN CS1708A-AT-G)
• Ports: 8 computer ports, daisy-chainable up to 31 additional switches (max 256 computers)
• Keyboard/Mouse support: USB and PS/2
• Video: VGA; maximum resolution up to 2048 x 1536
• Form factor: 1U rack-mountable metal chassis; color: black
• Power: DC adapter included; typical power consumption 5 W
• Weight: 3.41 kg
• Standards: RoHS compliant
• Included accessories: rack-mount kit, PS/2 and USB KVM cables, console cable, firmware upgrade cable, foot pads (4), power adapter, user instructions

How to use

Install the CS1708A in a 1U rack position using the supplied standard rack-mounting kit. Connect each target computer to the KVM switch using the provided PS/2 or USB KVM cables and the VGA video connectors. Attach your console (keyboard, mouse and monitor) using either PS/2 or USB connections as required. Use the front-panel controls or keyboard hotkeys to switch between connected computers. For multi-switch setups, daisy-chain additional CS1708A units to expand the number of controllable computers—follow the included manual for proper daisy-chain wiring and addressing.

Recommendations

Use the included manufacturer cables for initial setup to ensure compatibility. Place the unit in a well-ventilated rack location and perform firmware updates using the supplied firmware upgrade cable when available. For mixed USB and PS/2 environments, verify console device type before switching to avoid temporary loss of keyboard or mouse function.