Monitoring and control are the central focus across a typical control room environment, whether for airport and air traffic control (ATC), manufacturing, energy & utilities, security, military, transportation/traffic, public safety, or a network operations centre (NOC). Despite diversity in the people, processes, facilities, and operations being monitored, two primary requirements remain constant: exceptional responsiveness and robust security.
This article will delve into the practical applications and benefits of advanced IP KVM extenders for monitoring, control, and coordination in demanding control room environments. In addition to exploring capabilities that enable operator responsiveness, the article also will cover must-have security features such as encryption, secure communication, authentication, and authorisation, describing their roles in protecting valuable media and communications.
Enhancing responsiveness with IP KVM capabilities
When operators can efficiently visualise and monitor their applications across a multi-monitor workspace and use just one keyboard and mouse, they realise improved response times along with better workspace ergonomics. Advanced IP KVM extenders elevate the operators’ experience by giving them fast and easy access to their applications, and flexible visualisation options that adapt to their workflow.
For instance, system integrators can leverage KVM over IP products in their control room designs, build remote operator workstations with single 4K or multiple displays, and leverage a standard 1Gbe networking infrastructure to route KVMA (keyboard, video, mouse, audio) signals. IP KVM extenders running on 1GbE networks at very low bitrate further simplify deployments and drive down infrastructure cost.
Select IP KVM extenders also feature built-in multi-system control and multiview options, where operators can see more and seamlessly control multiple systems from a remote workstation with a single keyboard and mouse set, leading to more efficient operations and increased productivity.
Overall, these capabilities enable operators to handle multiple tasks seamlessly, reducing the time required to switch between different control interfaces. This efficiency is crucial to operators’ responsiveness in environments where every second counts, such as military command and control rooms , or emergency response centres.
Ensuring security with advanced protocols and measures
In addition to responsiveness, security is a paramount concern in control room environments. KVM systems help safeguard critical computing equipment in machine rooms, and they should also implement a suite of security protocols. A multi-layered security approach protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of mission critical data in control rooms while also protecting against unauthorised access and tampering. These measures include:
1. Encrypted AV and USB signals: Encryption technologies convert the A/V and/or USB signals into a secret code, preventing unauthorised access during transmission and protecting the confidentiality of the transmitted signals during transport. They also maintain the integrity of the transmitted data by preventing third parties from modifying the content during transport.
The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), one of the most secure data encryption standards accepted worldwide, is used by some IP KVM extenders for encrypting data and passwords. AES 128-bit and AES 256-bit standards use a symmetric encryption algorithm that uses a single key to encrypt and decrypt the data, protecting not only the audio and video signals but also the USB signals by encrypting keystrokes for entering passwords safely to safeguard confidential information.
2. HTTPS control communication: A secure communication and control channel within the KVM network is critical for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the extended A/V, USB, and control signals. This command-and-control layer can be further protected with permissions and passwords.
IP KVM extender units communicate with each other and exchange commands over a secure communication channel, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), to prevent tampering with the KVM network by either rerouting signals or interrupting operation. HTTPS runs over a Transport Layer Security (TLS) connection, an industry-standard protocol for secure communication over the network. TLS uses asymmetric encryption to protect the transported information and relies on digital certificates to validate the identity of the transmitter and receiver devices. IP KVM extenders offering the ability to load custom digital certificates will provide an additional layer of security.
3. Lock-out services: Different security levels can be defined by setting up user permissions and passwords. User permissions allow administrators to define which source systems a user can connect to, and from which remote station they can access the systems. IT professionals also recommend using strong passwords and changing them on a regular basis. Multi-level sign-on adds another layer of security; the user will be forced to sign into the KVM receiver device and source system.
The IEEE 802.1x standard provides another strong form of device authentication. As a port-based network access control for wired and wireless devices, IEEE 802.1x blocks rogue devices from communicating over a protected network and potentially disrupting operation. The network switch blocks traffic to and from any new device that wants access to the network until it’s authenticated by a central server, typically a RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) server. It verifies the identity of the new device and only then authorises the device to join the network.
These security features are essential in protecting valuable media and communications, ensuring that control room operations remain secure and reliable. Continuous updates to the system to monitor the performance of these features, and to protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities, will further ensure ongoing security.
Conclusion: Select a trusted partner for seamless, reliable implementation
By working with a trusted supplier of robust, proven KVM technology, control room integrators, IT managers, and consultants can maintain the operator responsiveness and security so critical to control room monitoring operations. IP KVM extenders that are TAA-compliant and designed, manufactured, and validated under one roof, according to rigorous internal standards, will provide long-term reliability, as well, particularly when equipped with built-in redundancy or failover mechanisms.
Paired with strong technical and engineering support, these factors and capabilities help to prevent major issues, such as system downtime or security breaches, that can compromise overall operations.
