ATEN KH2508A 2-User 8-Port CAT5 KVM Switch
Overview
The KH2508A is an 8-port, 2-user CAT5 KVM switch that lets two operators share keyboard, video, and mouse control across up to eight servers from a single console — or up to 128 servers when daisy-chained with compatible ATEN KVM units. This is the right unit for small-to-mid server rooms where two administrators need simultaneous, independent access to different machines without the bulk of dedicated console hardware at every rack position. Port selection via OSD, hotkey, or front-panel pushbutton keeps workflows fast regardless of user preference. A 7-segment LED Station ID display (orange) confirms which unit is active in a daisy-chain stack at a glance — no guessing when you're managing a multi-switch row.
Compatibility
Connects to servers with PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse interfaces, covering the broad majority of rack-mounted x86 servers still in production and legacy environments. Video signal travels over CAT5 cable, delivering 1920×1200 at 60 Hz up to 30 m — full HD resolution at a full rack length of cable without a dedicated coax run. At 40 m, resolution steps to 1600×1200; at 50 m, 1280×1024 at 75 Hz remains crisp enough for server console work. Daisy-chains with other ATEN KH-series switches (such as the KH2516A) to scale the installation to 128 ports while preserving the 2-user concurrent access model. KVM-over-IP or dongles are not required — this is a direct-connect analog unit best suited for on-premises data center and server room deployments.
Installation Notes
Rack-mount form factor; installs in a standard 19-inch rack using ATEN rack ears (verify included hardware before ordering). Power input is IEC 60320/C14, accepting 100–240 VAC at 50/60 Hz drawing up to 1A — compatible with both North American and international PDUs without an adapter. Keep ambient humidity below 80% RH non-condensing to protect the switch hardware. Firmware is field-upgradeable; current release is v1.8.175 (2025-05-22), downloadable from the ATEN support site as kh2508a-2516a-v1.8.175.zip.
