KVM switches and USB hubs

[tell-me-more]

The KVM switch I like (belkin switch 2) doesn't allow for connecting two pcs to the same modem and other peripherals as well as KVM. Could I achieve this using a USB hub (the thing that turns one USB port into 4).

No-one seems to know, and belkin haven't responded.

[LCDMAN]

KVM switches are just that - for allowing use of 1 Keyboard Video(monitor) and Mouse to be switched between working on either of two (or more) PCs, not designed for anything else.

Why, may I ask, do you want to connect two PCs to a modem - it doesn't work like that seeing as only 1 can use it at any one time. If you want multiple PCs connected to the internet then you need to purchase a combined modem/router, where the modem half connects to the internet and the router half connects all the PCs to the modem part thus allowing all of them to access the internet at the same time. IT uses the Ethernet or wireless network connection on your PCs, not USB.

USB is designed for connecting most peripherals, but you can't share a USB modem between two PCs.

[tell-me-more]

Thanks for the response.

I understand that I'll only be able to use the peripherals, modem etc. on one machine at a time, but that's fine. All I need is a switch.

I'd like to be able to connect both PCs to the modem and other USB devices to save unplugging them and them in again each time I swap. It's not essential because they're not that difficult to unplug and they're not used as often as the KVM; it just seems like it'd be handy. If I can plug a USB mouse into a KVM switch, I don't see why I shouldn't be able to plug a USB hub into it, and then the mouse, modem and other USB devices into that. The KVM switch is mechanical rather than one with software and keyboard combinations.

On another thread (below), there was someone who seemed to have a device that switched KVM plus a few other USB devices. I haven't found that device for sale anywhere.

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Ques tion734803.html

I specifically want a mechanical switching device, not one with software and keyboard combinations.

[tell-me-more]

Update for anyone interested:

I bought the Belkin Switch 2 KVM Switch.

It does seem to support any usb device - I have a usb modem plugged into it now - but unfortunately my one doesn't seem to do the switching part. The led's not on, and the remote does nothing. If I can get one to work I'll try a usb splitter (hub).

[giant68]

To use 1 modem on more than 1 PC you will need to network the PCs and either use a router or Windows Internet connection sharing. The simple one is connection sharing, as long as the PCs have network cards installed you link them with a network crossover cable and set up ICS on both. Then, provided the modem is connected to a pc that is switched on the PC, networked to it will have access to the modem. Otherwise you will need a broadband router.

Regards
Giant68

[tell-me-more]

Thanks.

I'm actually already sharing the modem in the sense that I mean. I'm not trying to use the modem on both machines simultaneously, just without having to plug it in and remove it each time I switch. It works if I plug it into the ports of the kvm switch, and it also works just by switching between the front usb ports of each machine.

The keyboard and mouse don't work though - I can't use ps2 keyboards with ps2 to usb converters on a usb kvm switch? Shame.