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IHSE GmbH Case Study

ExtremeUSB® Enables True USB 2.0 on High-Resolution KVM Switch and Extension Solutions of Cat 5 KVM Extension System

IHSE is a German developer and manufacturer of KVM switches and extenders with a distribution network in 30 countries.

CHALLENGES

• Integrating high-speed USB 2.0 at 480Mbps and high resolution DVI video up to 1920x1200@60Hz over Cat 5 and Fiber Optics
• Connect 16 independent user workstations to up to 1024 CPUs at distances of up to 10km

• Icron's low risk embedded ExtremeUSB® technology, with maximum design flexibity supporting distances up to 459 ft (140m) over Cat 5 and up to 6 miles (10km) over Fiber Optics

As the global market for distributed computing and remote desktop solutions grows, companies continually strive to differentiate their systems from competitors. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, IHSE GmbH is a recognized technology leader in Video and KVM switching, extension and conversion. The Company offers cutting-edge technology products for distribution and switching of PC desktop Video and KVM signals over Cat 5 or Fiber Optic cables.

IHSE produces a full range of leading edge products including DVI KVM extenders for single, dual, and quad displays. All popular video and peripheral interfaces from HDMI v1.3, DVI, dual link DVI, 3G SDI, component, composite, s-video, VGA and DisplayPort, to Firewire, RS-232 and USB 2.0 are supported.

IHSE’s products service a wide range of end applications where centralized computing and multiple user workstations enhance operating efficiencies. Industries as varied as broadcasting and AV, heavy industry, dispatch and control centers, government and military all utilize IHSE’s KVM solutions.
                     Draco™ Extenders

“Our partnership with Icron helped us stay focused on our core business of designing sophisticated video extension and switching technologies for demanding customer applications. The combination of Icron’s proven ExtremeUSB® technology and excellent engineering support significantly reduced our product development time and minimized our risk."
- Dr. Enno Littmann, COO of IHSE

The Challenge
KVM switching solutions enable desktop access to multiple computers. Users can access servers located in a central location without having to connect a keyboard, mouse and monitor to every machine. When combined with extension solutions, a KVM switching installation provides true desktop connectivity that can be distributed throughout an enterprise, delivering a complete computing experience while reducing installation complexity and clutter, improving heat, power and noise characteristics and maintaining an easily monitored and secured central computing hub.

For IHSE’s new line of Single/Dual Link, Single/Dual Head DVI + Audio KVM extenders, the company wanted to move beyond standard keyboard and mouse desktops and support the Billions of USB peripheral I/O devices in the market. In particular, IHSE wanted to add true USB 2.0 connectivity to provide flexibility and a rich desktop experience to their customers. IHSE had the added challenge of matching the USB connection reach to their DVI extension technology; up to 140m over Cat 5 and 10km over fiber optics. They found their solution with Icron’s ExtremeUSB® technology.

KVM Extension and DVI Crosspoint Switch Application over Cat 5

Enlarge KVM Extension Application Diagram

The IHSE Draco™ Major DVI Switch connects computers and workstations by connecting local and remote KVM extension units, and peripheral USB devices using Cat 5 UTP Cables at up to 459ft.