APC KVM 2G Server Module Serial - KVM-SERIAL

APC by Schneider Electric KVM-SERIAL Serial KVM Server Module

Overview

The KVM-SERIAL is a wired KVM server module from APC by Schneider Electric, designed to extend USB keyboard and mouse control and VGA video from a target server to an APC KVM 2G switch over a single RJ-45 cable run. Rather than running separate USB and VGA cables from the switch to every server in the rack, the KVM-SERIAL moves the physical connection point to the server itself — reducing cable clutter and simplifying patching in high-density data center and server room deployments.

Compatible with the APC by Schneider Electric KVM 2G Enterprise Analog and Enterprise Digital/IP switch families, this module bridges legacy and modern infrastructure by accepting USB keyboard and mouse input while delivering VGA video over a structured RJ-45 link to the switch. For IT teams managing mixed server environments under a single KVM switch infrastructure, the KVM-SERIAL (often searched as KVM SERIAL) provides the per-server connection point the 2G platform requires.

Key Features

• USB Keyboard and Mouse Interface: The module accepts a USB Type-A male connector for keyboard and mouse, meaning it works with standard USB HID peripherals without requiring PS/2 adapters. No legacy converter hardware needed at the server end.
• VGA HD-15 Female Video Port: Connects directly to the server's standard VGA output — the HD-15 female port is universal across rackmount servers of this generation. If your target servers have already transitioned to DisplayPort or HDMI, verify the KVM switch generation supports a compatible module before ordering.
• RJ-45 KVM Link Port: The RJ-45 female KVM port carries keyboard, mouse, and video signals back to the APC KVM 2G switch over Cat5/6 structured cabling — the same infrastructure already installed in most data centers. This eliminates the need for dedicated KVM cabling runs and allows flexible rack positioning.
• External Form Factor: At 4.9 inches, the module installs at the rear of the server without occupying a drive bay or PCIe slot. It stays with the server across rack moves, making it well suited to environments where servers are frequently redeployed or relocated.
• Broad Compliance Certifications: The KVM-SERIAL carries C-Tick, ICES-003, VCCI Class A ITE, RoHS, UL 60950-1, FCC Part 15 A, and REACH certifications — covering North American, Australian, and Japanese regulatory requirements and confirming RoHS hazardous-substance compliance. For enterprise procurement teams with environmental or import compliance requirements, these certifications reduce approval friction.
• Wired Connectivity — No Wireless Latency: Wired KVM links are deterministic. In data center and server room contexts where administrators need reliable, consistent response during high-stakes maintenance windows, the absence of wireless introduces zero additional failure modes.
• Validated Operating Environment: Rated for 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C) operating temperature and 5–95% non-condensing humidity — covers standard air-conditioned server rooms as well as less controlled edge deployments. The humidity range is broad enough to accommodate facilities without precision environmental control.
• 2-Year Limited Warranty: APC's 2-year limited warranty applies to the KVM-SERIAL, providing standard enterprise coverage for an infrastructure component expected to outlast multiple server refresh cycles.

Integration and Compatibility

The KVM-SERIAL is explicitly designed for the APC KVM 2G Enterprise Analog and Enterprise Digital/IP switch platforms. Before purchasing, confirm that your existing KVM switch is one of these two models — the module is not listed as compatible with earlier APC KVM generations or third-party KVM switches. For organizations building out KVM infrastructure around the 2G platform, this is the correct per-server module for USB+VGA servers requiring serial-style RJ-45 integration.

The three interface ports — USB Type-A male (keyboard/mouse), VGA HD-15 female (video in from server), and RJ-45 female (KVM link to switch) — are all that connect to the module. There are no additional network ports, audio connections, or out-of-band management interfaces on this device. If your deployment requires virtual media, smart card readers, or audio pass-through, review the full APC KVM 2G module lineup to identify the appropriate module variant.

The RoHS compliance and REACH certification make this module suitable for procurement under EU environmental directives, and the UL 60950-1 listing satisfies most North American facility safety requirements. VCCI Class A rating applies to commercial and industrial environments — this is not a residential-class device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which KVM switches is the KVM-SERIAL compatible with?

A: The KVM-SERIAL is designed for the APC KVM 2G Enterprise Analog and APC KVM 2G Enterprise Digital/IP switch platforms. It is not listed as compatible with earlier APC KVM generations or non-APC KVM switches.

Q: What type of keyboard and mouse connection does the KVM-SERIAL use?

A: The module uses a USB Type-A male interface for keyboard and mouse. Standard USB HID peripherals connect directly — no PS/2 adapters are required.

Q: What video interface does the KVM-SERIAL support?

A: The module provides a VGA HD-15 female port for the server video connection. It does not support DisplayPort, HDMI, or DVI — confirm your target servers have available VGA outputs before deploying.

Q: What is the warranty on the KVM-SERIAL?

A: APC provides a 2-year limited warranty on the KVM-SERIAL.

Q: What compliance certifications does the KVM-SERIAL carry?

A: The KVM-SERIAL is certified under C-Tick, ICES-003, VCCI Class A ITE, RoHS, UL 60950-1, FCC Part 15 A, and REACH.

Q: What are the operating temperature and humidity limits for the KVM-SERIAL?

A: Operating temperature range is 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C). Humidity operating range is 5–95% non-condensing.

Ted Perry

The KVM-SERIAL is a straightforward but important piece of data center infrastructure — it's the per-server endpoint that makes the APC KVM 2G platform function. The module's RJ-45 KVM port is the key spec here: it means you're running structured Cat5/6 to the switch rather than bulky VGA or proprietary cabling, which matters in dense rack environments where cable management directly affects airflow and serviceability.

Technical Highlights:

• Three-Port Interface Set (USB + VGA + RJ-45): USB Type-A male for HID peripherals, HD-15 female for VGA server video, and RJ-45 female for the KVM link — all three ports are industry-standard, which means no proprietary pigtail cables or adapter chains between the server and the module.
• Validated 32°F–122°F Operating Range: The 90°F span covers everything from a well-controlled Tier 3 data center to a modestly cooled comms room. The 5–95% humidity envelope is similarly generous — useful in facilities where environmental control isn't always consistent.
• VCCI Class A / FCC Part 15 A Compliance: Class A ratings are for commercial and industrial environments, not residential. This isn't a limitation — it confirms the module is built and tested for the electrical noise environment of a real server room, not a home lab.

Deployment Considerations:

• Compatibility is limited to the APC KVM 2G Enterprise Analog and Digital/IP platforms — verify the exact switch model before ordering. Mixing with first-generation APC KVM switches or third-party platforms is not supported per available evidence.
• The VGA HD-15 female port is the binding constraint for newer server generations. If your refresh cycle has moved target servers to DisplayPort-only video outputs, the KVM-SERIAL is not the right module — identify the appropriate display-interface variant before deploying against a mixed fleet.

The KVM-SERIAL is the right call for enterprise data centers standardized on the APC KVM 2G platform with USB+VGA server populations — particularly in high-density racks where structured cabling to the KVM switch beats running parallel VGA and USB runs from every server to a centralized console.