System and Method for Ruggedized Remote Communication

A method for controlling Link systems comprising the steps of:

• using a ruggedized operator terminal having a first and a second keyboard video mouse (KVM) extender receiver and a USB switch to remotely access a first computer and a second computer via a fiber-optic interface, and wherein the ruggedized operator terminal comprises a command console having a video display monitor, a keyboard, and a trackball;
• sending fiber-optic signals from the first computer and the second computer to the ruggedized operator terminal;
• using the KVM Extender Receivers to convert the fiber-optic signals into Digital Video and USB for keyboard mouse (KM) control;
• using the USB switch to control KM control between the first computer and second computer;
• configuring the ruggedized operator terminal to have KM access for the first computer and a Picture-in-Picture console feature for the second computer;
• using a plurality of light indicators to allow identification of the computer that has KM control.