Why IP KVM is Changing the Game for Modern Workflows

In a recent podcast conversation, Mark Pescatore, Content Director, Systems Contractor News (SCN), asked a great question:

“What are some of the advantages of IP KVM over traditional KVM?”

Jamie Adkin, VP EMEA Sales, Adder Technology, provided an insightful answer and it’s one worth unpacking:

From Point-to-Point Connection to Network Freedom
Traditionally, KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) systems connect users directly to computers through dedicated, often proprietary, hardware. It worked, but only within the limits of that fixed infrastructure. Adding more users or endpoints often meant adding more physical ports and cables, which could quickly turn into a logistical headache.

Then came IP KVM. A new generation of KVM technology that uses standard IP networks to transport video, USB, and control signals between users and computers. As Jamie explained this shift began over 15 years ago, when manufacturers realized that modern network switches could handle the high bandwidth needed for real-time performance.

The Advantages…
The biggest win? Scalability. With IP KVM, you can start small with two users accessing a couple of machines and then scale up seamlessly to hundreds or even thousands of endpoints, all connected through your existing network infrastructure.

For example, a post-production studio might begin with a few editing bays and later expand to multiple sites. With IP KVM, there’s no “port limit”, no need to rip and replace hardware when growth happens.

Performance is another standout. Today’s IP networks deliver low latency and high image fidelity, so users experience near-local performance even when accessing machines remotely. That means a video editor in London can work on a system in Los Angeles as if it were under their own desk.

The Secret? Smart Engineering
Of course, IP alone doesn’t make magic happen. As Jamie points out, it’s the engineering behind the products that truly unlocks network potential. Adder has invested years refining compression algorithms and switching technologies to ensure the best possible performance. No dropped frames. No sluggish mouse movement. No compromise.

In Summary
IP KVM isn’t just a new kind of connectivity. It’s a new way of thinking about access, control, and scalability in digital workspaces. Whether it’s broadcasters managing live feeds, engineers controlling remote systems, or creative teams collaborating globally, IP KVM delivers flexibility without limits.

Want to hear the full conversation?
Check out the podcast episode where Mark and Jamie dive deeper into how IP KVM is shaping the future of connectivity.

Watch here: SCN Punchlist Podcast

What is KVM: https://www.adder.com/en/kvm-solutions/what-kvm

Discover the Adder portfolio: https://www.adder.com

Contact a KVM expert: https://www.adder.com/en/sales-enquiry-form