The Belkin Advanced Secure KM Switch

The Current Situation

There are many cases where analysts and operators need to work simultaneously with multiple computers and different security levels.

Command and Control

In command and control environments, users manage multiple systems. This requires control over multiple displays, multiple keyboards, multiple mice, all managed by a single user.

Bankers and Traders

Financial professionals in banking and trading often work with numerous computers and data streams. The Belkin Secure KM Switch facilitates managing multiple displays, multiple keyboards, multiple mice, for a single user.

Defense and Intelligence

In defense and intelligence operations, secure access to multiple, isolated systems is critical. The Belkin Secure KM Switch enables a single user to manage multiple displays, multiple keyboards, and multiple mice across these systems.

The Challenge

The challenge is to provide users with a single keyboard and mouse that they can use to access multiple isolated computers securely and efficiently.

The Belkin Solution

Belkin Secure KM Switch (F1DN104K-3 and F1DN108K-3)

The Belkin Advanced Secure KM Switch makes it possible to use multiple secure systems on separate displays simultaneously with a single mouse and keyboard.

F1DN104K-3 (4-Port): Supports up to 16 monitors.

F1DN108K-3 (8-Port): Supports up to 32 monitors.

How Does the Belkin Secure KM Work

• Each monitor is connected directly to the computer.
• Each computer is connected to the Switch ports marked "K/M".
• The Keyboard and the Mouse are connected to the console section of the switch (USB or PS/2).
• User headphones or amplified speakers are connected to the audio output port marked "Audio" on the Console section of the Switch.

Connection Diagram Description: The diagram illustrates the setup: multiple computers are connected to the KM switch via K/M ports. Monitors are connected to these computers. A keyboard, mouse, and audio output are connected to the console section of the switch.

Why is the Belkin Secure KM the Perfect Solution?

The Belkin Advanced Secure KM Switch is ideal for data-intensive applications where information from multiple secure sources must be viewed and compared on multiple displays in real time. Analysts and operators in defense and intelligence, banking and trading, or complex command and control environments will benefit immediately and immensely from seamless switching with cursor movement.

Diagram Description: A visual shows two computers, PC1 and PC2, with a mouse cursor moving between their respective displays, illustrating seamless switching.

Seamless Cursor Switching (SCS)

Seamless cursor switching allows the user to change automatically from one highly isolated computer system to another as the mouse cursor crosses display borders, without having to push any buttons. The audio and keyboard will "follow" the mouse from one computer to the next as the cursor moves from screen to screen.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows four monitors labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4, connected in a configuration. Arrows indicate cursor movement and channel switching between these monitors, demonstrating the SCS functionality.

Multiple Displays Per Connected Computer

Multiple displays can be connected to each computer that is connected to the Belkin Secure KM. The 4-port Belkin Secure KM is designed to have up to 16 computers connected and working simultaneously in any possible monitor setup.

Diagram Description: Similar to the general connection diagram, this visual emphasizes the ability to connect multiple displays to each computer. It also highlights the "Belkin Multi-Display Mouse Driver," noting it is required for machines running two or more displays and is available for Windows.

Key Features and Benefits

• Unique Product: The Belkin Secure KM is a unique product that makes it possible to use multiple secure systems on separate displays simultaneously with a single mouse and keyboard.
• Common Criteria Certified: The Belkin Secure KM is certified by NIAP to the latest Common Criteria Protection Profile PSS Ver 3.0, which exceeds EAL4 and PP PSS Ver. 2.1, assuring the highest level of protection.
• Bloomberg Keyboard Support: The Belkin Secure KM supports the Bloomberg Keyboard.
• 8-port Capability: In addition to the standard 4-port model (F1DN104K-3), an 8-port model (F1DN108K-3) is also available.
• Multiple Operating Systems Support: Windows, Linux, and Mac OS are all supported with no need for any software installation.
• Multi-monitor Support: Multi-monitor operation is supported for Windows-based computers. Driver installation is required for this functionality.
• Increased Reliability: Using a new, advanced anti-tampering battery with an extremely low self-discharge rate, the life expectancy of the switch has been increased dramatically.

Bloomberg Keyboard Support

Belkin Secure KM supports the Bloomberg Keyboard. When using the Belkin Secure KM in conjunction with the Bloomberg Keyboard:

• All keyboard functions are passed through the Belkin Secure KM and are shared between the different channels.
• Other functions - Audio, Bloomberg Secure Access Technology (BSAT) Device, LCD, and other special keys are connected only to the Bloomberg terminal.
• The Belkin Secure KM setup together with the Bloomberg keyboard prevents data leakages between the Bloomberg device and the connected computers.
• Switching is instantaneous (without re-enumeration).

Image Description: An image displays a Bloomberg keyboard and a typical trading desk setup with multiple monitors, illustrating the product's application.

Bloomberg Keyboard and Belkin Secure KM Setup

Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the integration of the Belkin Secure KM and Bloomberg Keyboard. It shows a Bloomberg Keyboard connected via USB and PS/2 to the switch's console. A mouse is also connected to the console. A Bloomberg Terminal and another PC are connected to the KM switch's computer ports (labeled 1 and 2).

Belkin Advanced Secure KM Switch - Rear Panels

F1DN104K-3 Rear Panel

Diagram Description: The rear panel of the 4-port F1DN104K-3 model is shown with numbered ports:

• 1: DCU port - non operable, for future use
• 2: Console Audio Out jack
• 3: Console USB mouse port
• 4: Console PS/2 keyboard port
• 5: Console PS/2 mouse port
• 6: Computer USB K/M port
• 7: Computer audio port
• 8: DC power input jack
• 9: Console USB keyboard port

F1DN108K-3 Rear Panel

Diagram Description: The rear panel of the 8-port F1DN108K-3 model is shown with numbered ports:

• 1: DCU port - non operable, for future use
• 2: Console Audio Out jack
• 3: Console USB mouse port
• 4: Console USB keyboard port
• 5: Computer audio port
• 6: Computer USB K/M port
• 7: AC power input jack
• 8: AC power switch

Belkin Secure KM Presets

The Belkin Secure KM offers pre-defined configuration lists for various presets, activated using keyboard shortcuts like CTRL + CTRL + F11.

Configuration List Description: Tables detail pre-defined configuration lists for different presets (F11|F1 through F11|F10, and F11|1|1 through F11|3|0), specifying port assignments for 4-port and 8-port models, including factory defaults and 8-port only configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a KM and a KVM?

KVMs switch video, allowing users to see only one target device at a time. KM switches, however, allow users to see all connected computers simultaneously. KM switches manage a single keyboard and mouse across multiple computers, with displays remaining continuously connected. Navigation between computers is achieved by moving the mouse cursor.

Can a Secure KVM be used as a KM?

No. Secure KVMs switch video, mouse, and keyboard at the push of a button. KM switching is done by simply moving the mouse cursor between monitors.

When should a Belkin Secure KM Switch be used?

A Belkin Secure KM Switch is ideal when a single user needs to work simultaneously with multiple computers, each potentially connected to multiple displays, using a single keyboard and mouse. The switch supports up to 32 monitors connected and working simultaneously.

Are Belkin KM Switches as secure as Belkin KVM Switches?

Yes, the Belkin Secure KM Switch shares the same high security features as the Belkin Secure KVM product line, including Active Always-On Anti-Tampering, Tamper-Resistant Enclosure, Unidirectional Data Paths, and Tamper-Proof Hardware.

Can I use a KM with multiple-display computers?

Yes. The Belkin Secure KM can be configured for dual, triple, or quad head monitors on up to eight computers. The 4-Port model supports up to 16 monitors, and the 8-Port model supports up to 32 monitors. Multi-display operation requires a software driver installation and is supported on Windows operating systems.

How to define monitor-layout for a KM connected to multiple-display computers?

The KM comes with pre-defined multi-monitor-layout presets that can be activated via keyboard shortcuts. Further customization is done at the administrator level before deployment.

What operating systems are supported by the Belkin Secure KM switch?

The Belkin Secure KM supports Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems.

What keyboards are supported by the Belkin Secure KM?

Standard USB keyboards are supported. The 4-port model also supports standard PS/2 keyboards. Notes: Console USB keyboard and mouse ports are switchable. For optimal operation, connect USB keyboards to USB keyboard ports and USB mice to USB mouse ports. Wireless keyboards are not supported for security reasons. Non-standard keyboards (e.g., with integrated USB hubs) may have limited functionality.

What mice are supported by the Belkin Secure KM?

Standard USB mice are supported. The 4-port model also supports standard PS/2 mice. Notes: Console USB keyboard and mouse ports are switchable. Console USB mouse ports support Standard KVM Extender composite devices. Wireless mice are not supported for security reasons.

Can a microphone be used with the Belkin Secure KM?

No, microphone switching is not supported to prevent analog leakages through audio ports.

Can extension cables be used with the Belkin Secure KM?

Yes, any passive extension cable can be used to extend the distance between the user and the KM, or between the KM and the connected computers.