ATEN CS1184DPH4C 4-Port USB 5K DisplayPort/HDMI Universal Secure KVM Switch with CAC
Overview
The ATEN CS1184DPH4C is a 4-port USB secure KVM switch built specifically for environments where physical and logical isolation between computer sources is a non-negotiable requirement. Supporting resolutions up to 5120 x 2880 (5K) over DisplayPort and HDMI, it lets one operator share a single keyboard, mouse, and display across four isolated computer sources — without any data path existing between them. It meets PSD PP v4.0 (Protection Profile for Peripheral Sharing Device Version 4.0), the current government-recognized security standard for peripheral sharing in classified and sensitive environments. If your facility handles data at multiple classification levels or enforces strict domain separation, the CS1184DPH4C is purpose-built for that operational reality. Explore the full ATEN KVM and switching line for companion products in this family.
Key Features
- PSD PP v4.0 Compliance: This is the protection profile that defense agencies, government contractors, and regulated enterprises actually require for cross-domain KVM deployments. Compliance means the switch has been independently evaluated to prevent data leakage between connected computer sources — not just claimed, but standardized. If a procurement spec calls for PP v4.0, this switch satisfies it.
- 5K Resolution Support (5120 x 2880): At 5K, you get enough pixel density to run a large-format monitor at full sharpness — useful for analysts working with detailed imagery, GIS data, or high-resolution surveillance feeds where downscaling costs you detail. Drives both DisplayPort and HDMI outputs, so your monitor choice isn't constrained to a single interface standard.
- Universal DisplayPort + HDMI Video Interfaces: The dual-interface approach means you can connect computers with either DisplayPort or HDMI outputs to the same switch without adapters. Mixed-source environments — a newer workstation with DP alongside a legacy system with HDMI — connect directly. For a deeper look at how this fits into a broader AV infrastructure, see our guide on KVM switches.
- CAC (Common Access Card) Support: Integrating CAC readers directly through the switch means smart-card authentication works per-computer-source without requiring a separate reader for each machine. In DoD and federal agency environments where CAC is mandatory for login, this eliminates the physical clutter and workflow friction of swapping readers between workstations.
- Computer-to-Peripheral Isolation: The core security architecture ensures that connected peripherals — keyboard, mouse, display — have no electronic path to any computer source other than the one currently selected. This is the fundamental property that distinguishes a secure KVM from a standard KVM. A conventional switch routes USB signals between sources; a secure KVM physically terminates them.
- Single Local User, 4 Sources: Designed for one operator controlling up to four computers from a single console. The desktop form factor keeps it practical for a staffed workstation rather than a rack-dense server room — appropriate for analyst stations, cleared workspace environments, or any desk where one person needs simultaneous access to segregated networks.
- USB Connectivity: USB-based keyboard and mouse connection keeps peripheral compatibility broad. Standard HID-class devices connect without additional drivers, which matters in locked-down government or enterprise environments where installing third-party software on classified endpoints isn't permitted.
Integration and Compatibility
The CS1184DPH4C is positioned for government, defense contractor, and enterprise environments that enforce domain separation policies. PSD PP v4.0 compliance is the procurement gate for many federal and classified deployments — the switch meets that standard as documented. CAC support aligns with DoD identity management requirements. The USB HID interface keeps it compatible with standard keyboards and mice without requiring driver installation on secured endpoints, which is a real constraint in these environments.
For facilities building out a complete secure workspace, pairing this switch with purpose-matched high-resolution monitors that accept both DisplayPort and HDMI inputs maximizes the 5K capability. Organizations evaluating broader physical security infrastructure can also review access control systems for layered perimeter security alongside workstation-level isolation. Those deploying in video analysis or intelligence roles may also benefit from reviewing our network video recorder options for surveillance-integrated workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the CS1184DPH4C meet the PSD PP v4.0 protection profile standard?
A: Yes. The CS1184DPH4C is documented as meeting PSD PP v4.0 — the Protection Profile for Peripheral Sharing Device Version 4.0. This is the current government-recognized standard for secure KVM switches used in classified and sensitive environments.
Q: What video interfaces does the CS1184DPH4C support?
A: The switch supports both DisplayPort and HDMI video interfaces, with a maximum resolution of 5120 x 2880 (5K). This allows connection of computers equipped with either interface type without adapters.
Q: Does the CS1184DPH4C support Common Access Card (CAC) readers?
A: Yes. CAC support is a built-in feature, enabling smart-card authentication through the switch for each connected computer source. This is relevant for DoD and federal agency deployments where CAC-based login is required.
Q: How many computers can the CS1184DPH4C connect to one workstation?
A: The CS1184DPH4C supports four computer sources sharing a single keyboard, mouse, and display at one local workstation. It is not designed for multi-user or remote-access configurations.
Q: What is the difference between the CS1184DPH4C and a standard KVM switch?
A: A secure KVM physically isolates each computer source from the peripherals and from each other — there is no electronic data path between connected computers. A standard KVM routes signals electrically, which creates potential cross-contamination vectors. The CS1184DPH4C's PSD PP v4.0 compliance documents this isolation has been independently evaluated.
Q: What form factor is the CS1184DPH4C?
A: The CS1184DPH4C is a desktop-form-factor device, designed for a staffed analyst or operator workstation rather than rack mounting.
The CS1184DPH4C is one of those devices where the compliance documentation — PSD PP v4.0 — is the actual product. ATEN built this switch around the evaluated isolation architecture that government procurement offices require, and the 5K resolution ceiling means you're not compromising display quality to get there. I've seen secure KVM deployments where operators were stuck at 1080p or 1440p because their switch couldn't drive modern monitors at full resolution; the CS1184DPH4C removes that constraint.
Technical Highlights:
- PSD PP v4.0: The current protection profile standard for peripheral sharing devices in classified environments. Compliance is evaluated, not self-declared — this matters when procurement requires documented isolation assurance.
- 5120 x 2880 (5K) Resolution: Drives modern high-density monitors at native resolution over DisplayPort or HDMI. Relevant for imagery analysts, GIS operators, or anyone running applications where pixel count affects work quality, not just aesthetics.
- CAC Integration: Smart-card authentication flows through the switch per source, eliminating the need for dedicated readers at each workstation position. In a four-source configuration, that's up to three fewer card readers on the desk.
Deployment Considerations:
- This is a single-user, desktop-form-factor device — plan accordingly for workstation layout. It's not rack-mountable and is not designed for shared or remote-access operator configurations.
- Verify that your connected computers output DisplayPort or HDMI natively. The switch supports both interfaces, but adapter chains between source GPU output and the switch input can introduce compatibility or resolution ceiling issues that aren't the switch's fault.
The CS1184DPH4C is the right call for a cleared analyst workstation where domain separation is enforced, CAC authentication is mandatory, and the operator needs a modern 5K-capable display without sacrificing the security evaluation that procurement requires.
