Modular KVM switching system

A modular console keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) switching system comprising:

• at least one console peripheral interface module (CPIM) configured to be attached to a set of console peripheral devices;
• a plurality of host computer interface modules (HIM), each configured to be attached to a host computer;
• and
• a core KVM switch module (CKSM)
• configured to be directly connected to the at least one console peripheral interface module (CPIM) and to the plurality of host computer interface modules (HIM), and configured to couple a single selected active host computer to a single selected set of console peripheral devices through coupling between any one of the HIMs and any one of the CPIMs,
• wherein the CKSM comprises at least one socket type console connector, and a plurality of socket type host connectors,
• wherein the at least one CPIM comprises a CPIM-based CKSM-end unit housing a CKSM-end multi-function unit and a CKSM-end connector,
• wherein the CKSM-end connector is a plug type connector,
• wherein one side of the CKSM-end connector of the CPIM-based CKSM-end unit is mechanically rigidly permanently connected to the CKSM-end multi-function unit, and
• wherein the other side of the CKSM-end connector of the CPIM-based CKSM-end unit is configured to be pluggable to the socket type console connector whereby the CPIM-based CKSM-end unit is configured to be directly connected to the CKSM,
• wherein each of the plurality of HIMs comprises a HIM-based CKSM-end unit housing a CKSM-end multi-function unit and a CKSM-end connector,
• wherein the CKSM-end connector is a plug type connector,
• wherein one side of the CKSM-end connector of the HIM-based CKSM-end unit is mechanically rigidly permanently connected to the CKSM-end multi-function unit, and
• wherein the other side of the of the CKSM-end connector of the HIM-based CKSM-end unit is configured to be pluggable to the socket type host connector whereby the HIM-based CKSM-end unit is configured to be directly connected to the CKSM,
• wherein the host socket and the console socket have different socket configuration such that any of the host connectors matches any of the HIM-based CKSM-end plug connectors and any of the console connectors matches any of the CPIM-based CKSM-end plug connectors in order to prevent misconnection,
• wherein upon connection of the CKSM to the at least one CPIM and the plurality of HIMs, a unified, non-distributed, KVM switching system, configured to be deployed on a user's desktop, is formed.