How do rack servers with many machines use only one monitor?

I use an IP KVM switch in my server rack.

Each server has a VGA/KB/Mouse cable going into a LAN converter, which then connects to the KVM switch using a standard CAT5e patch cable.

Simple but clever :)

You can also get an IP KVM. It's similar to a KVM but usable over a network. All reputable data centres will use these.


The vast majority of servers are simply never logged in to physically after installation anyway though. Windows servers commonly use RDP (remote desktop protocol - terminal services). Linux/BSD servers generally use SSH or VNC if they actually have a GUI, which most don't. Mac servers don't really exist in the real world because people who know about servers don't buy macs but they would use SSH too.

In addition to this, you can get remote rack power management to cut the power to the machine, cycle it, etc and you would always set the machine's BIOS to turn on when it receives power.

Use what's called a KVM swtich (keyboard/video/mouse)

You need to use a multi user KVM switch which enables you to hook up multiple computers to just one monitor,mouse,keyboard, and you literally 'switch' between them. I had a similar setup when i did software testing for a large developer. I had to test their software in multiple environments and report bugs.

It's called switching. We have remote access to over 900 PCs and 300 Printers in our single office alone, and we only have seven screens

There's a switching/windowing device.