Belkin Modular Secure KVM Switch Series Frequently Asked Questions

TABLE OF CONTENTS


PRODUCT INFORMATION

1.  What is the Belkin Modular Secure KVM Switch Series?
2.  What is the warranty of this product?
3.  Does this come with a Connected Equipment Warranty (CEW)?
4.  Is this FCC-compliant?
5.  Is this NIAP-certified?
6.  In what color is this available in?
7.  What are included in the package of the KVM?

HARDWARE INFORMATION

1.  What KVM models are in this series?
2.  What are the dimensions and weight of the KVM?
3.  What material is the enclosure made of?
4.  What are the mounting options for the KVM?
5.  What type of cables are required to use the KVM?
6.  Can video converter cables or dongles be used with the KVM?
7.  What are the specs of the KVM's power supply?
8.  How many USB ports are on the KVM?
9.  What are the power output specs of the KVM's keyboard and mouse?
10.  What type of video ports are on the KVM?
11.  What type of networking ports are on the KVM?
12.  What type of audio ports are on the KVM?
13.  Are there any status lights on the KVM?
14.  Is there a power button on the KVM?

COMPATIBILITY

1.  What type of keyboard and mouse can I use with the KVM?
2.  What operating systems does the KVM support?
3.  Can I daisy chain the KVM with another KVM?
4.  What types of hardware does the KVM support?

FUNCTIONALITY

1.  What video formats are supported on the KVM?
2.  Can I use a CAC reader with the KVM?
3.  What are its recommended operating and storage temperatures?
4.  How does the KVM protect various computer enclaves?
5.  What are the specific security risks at the desktop, laptop or thin client?
6.  Can I swap cabling while the KVM is powered ON?
7.  What video resolution and refresh rate does the KVM support?
8.  Can the USB ports on the KVM be used for devices other than a keyboard and mouse?

 


PRODUCT INFORMATION

1.  What is the Belkin Modular Secure KVM Switch Series?

The Belkin Modular Secure KVM Switch Series is the smallest form factor line of secure KVMs from Belkin that support the latest in Common Criteria and National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) version 4.0 in Protection Profile for Peripheral Switching Devices.  The KVMs are compatible with legacy and new systems, use a proprietary modular connector for computer and monitor connectivity, and include a remote control and innovative mount options.  US-manufactured and TAA-compliant, the KVMs are ideal for use in IT environments that demand rigorous cybersecurity provisions—including government, military, and healthcare applications.  To learn more, click here.

2.  What is the warranty of this product?

The product has a 3-year warranty.

3.  Does this come with a Connected Equipment Warranty (CEW)?

No.

4.  Is this FCC-compliant?

The product complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.  The operation of the KVM is subject to two conditions:
 

1.  This device may not cause harmful interference.
2.  This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.


5.  Is this NIAP-certified?

Yes.

6.  In what color is this available in?

The KVMs in this series are available only in black.

7.  What are included in the package of the KVM?

The package contains the following:
 

  • One Belkin Modular Secure KVM Switch
  • Remote control 
  • 6-ft HDMI®, DisplayPort™ or DVI head and console cables (depending on the SKU)
  • 12V, 2.5A universal power supply with worldwide adapter
  • Port naming and enclave coloring labels
  • Quick start guide
  • Compliance documentation
 

HARDWARE INFORMATION

1.  What KVM models are in this series?  
 

SKUDescription
F1DN102MOD Single-head, 2-port modular secure KVM, with cabling for HDMI, DisplayPort or DVI
F1DN102MOD-BA-4 Single-head, 2-port modular secure KVM without cabling, mix and match cables as required
F1DN202MOD
Dual-head, 2-port modular secure KVM, with cabling for HDMI, DisplayPort or DVI
F1DN202MOD-BA-4Dual-head, 2-port modular secure KVM without cabling, mix and match cables as required
F1DN104MOD
Single-head, 4-port modular secure KVM, with cabling for HDMI, DisplayPort or DVI
F1DN104MOD-BA-4 Single-head, 4-port modular secure KVM without cabling, mix and match cables as required
F1DN204MOD Series
Dual-head, 4-port modular secure KVM, with cabling for HDMI, DisplayPort or DVI
F1DN202MOD-BA-4 Dual-head, 4-port modular secure KVM without cabling, mix and match cables as required
 
2.  What are the dimensions and weight of the KVM?

The dimensions and weight for the base unit are:
 
  • W x H x L:  3.5 in x 0.6 in x 7.5 in (90 x 15 x 190 mm)
  • Weight:  0.55 lb (0.25 kg)
 
3.  What material is the enclosure made of?

The enclosure is made of diecast aluminum.

4.  What are the mounting options for the KVM?

The KVM is very small in footprint and for that it is recommended to mount the KVM in a convenient location using a desk/under desk mount or a VESA® mount.  To learn more, click here.

5.  What type of cables are required to use the KVM?

Belkin proprietary modular cables are required to connect the KVM to clients and monitors.  Below are the cable options for the KVM:
 
SKUDescription
F1DN1MOD-HC-H06Belkin Modular HDMI Single Head Host Cable 6 Feet
F1DN1MOD-HC-P06Belkin Modular DP Single Head Host Cable 6 Feet
F1DN1MOD-HC-D06Belkin Modular DVI Single Head Host Cable 6 Feet
F1DN1MOD-HC-V06Belkin Modular VGA W/Audio Single Head Host Cable 6 Feet
F1DN1MOD-HC-M06Belkin Modular Mini DP Single Head Host Cable 6 Feet
F1DN1MOD-HC-U03Belkin Modular USB-C® Single Head Host Cable 3 Feet
F1DN2MOD-HC-H06Belkin Modular HDMI Dual Head Host Cable 6 Feet
F1DN2MOD-HC-P06Belkin Modular DP Dual Head Host Cable 6 Feet
F1DN2MOD-HC-D06Belkin Modular DVI Dual Head Host Cable 6 Feet
F1DN2MOD-HC-V06Belkin Modular VGA W/Audio Dual Head Host Cable 6 Feet
F1DN2MOD-HC-M06Belkin Modular Mini DP Dual Head Host Cable 6 Feet
F1DN2MOD-HC-U03Belkin Modular USB-C Dual Head Host Cable 3 Feet
F1DN2MOD-HC-HP6Belkin Modular HDMI and DP Dual Head Host Cable 6 Feet
F1DN2MOD-HC-DP6Belkin Modular DVI and DP Dual Head Host Cable 6 Feet
F1DN1MOD-CC-H06Belkin Modular HDMI Single Head Console Cable 6 Feet
F1DN1MOD-CC-P06Belkin Modular DP Single Head Console Cable 6 Feet
F1DN1MOD-CC-D06Belkin Modular DVI Single Head Console Cable 6 Feet
F1DN1MOD-CC-V06Belkin Modular VGA W/Audio Single Head Console Cable 6 Feet
F1DN2MOD-CC-H06Belkin Modular HDMI Dual Head Console Cable 6 Feet
F1DN2MOD-CC-P06Belkin Modular DP Dual Head Console Cable 6 Feet
F1DN2MOD-CC-D06Belkin Modular DVI Dual Head Console Cable 6 Feet
F1DN2MOD-CC-V06Belkin Modular VGA W/Audio Dual Head Console Cable 6 Feet
F1DN1MOD-EXT-04Belkin Modular Single Head Host or Console Extension Cable 4 feet
F1DN2MOD-EXT-04Belkin Modular Dual Head Host or Console Extension Cable 4 feet
F1DNMOD-USB-6Belkin Modular USB Cable for KM 6 Feet
 

Yes, but this is not recommended.  The KVM is designed to use specific modular video cables.  If you have a mixed environment with various computers using different video connections, you will need the correct modular cables.  Belkin recommends using the correct modular cable in the table above for mixed video environments. 

7.  What are the specs of the KVM's power supply?

Below are the specifications of the KVM's power supply:
 
  • Input:
    • 100V to 240V
    • 0.8A
    • 50/60 Hz
  • Output:
    • 12.0V
    • 2.5A
    • 30W
 

The KVM has three USB ports:
 
  • Two USB 2.0 Type-A; one for keyboard input and one for mouse input
  • One mini USB Type-B for connecting the modular remote control
 

The KVM supports one to four unique modular video connections. 
 
The audio passes through the modular combo cable through DisplayPort or HDMI to monitor only.  Only the VGA modular cable (Belkin F1DN2MOD-CC-V06) comes with a 3.5 mm speaker connector.  All other audio is passed from computers-to-KVM-to-monitor speakers using DisplayPort or HDMI connections.  The DVI modular cable does not offer any speaker audio support.

13.  Are there any status lights on the KVM?

The KVM has status indicator lights for the following: 
 
  • Power:  Green
  • Keyboard (Num, Caps, Shift) locks:  White
  • Keyboard:  Green
  • Mouse:  Green for proper HID device; Red for non-HID
  • Monitors:  Green
  • Remote control:  White
 
No.  The KVM has a power cable port on the far left on the rear.  To supply power to the KVM, plug it to the AC wall outlet.

COMPATIBILITY

1.  What type of keyboard and mouse can I use with the KVM?

A USB HID keyboard/mouse will communicate through the KVM.  Only standard (plain) 104 USB keyboards can be used.  Keyboards with built-in CAC, USB hub or social media keys cannot be used.  Also, by design, the Caps and Num locks will not illuminate on the keyboard.  The Caps, Shift, and Num locks have lights on the KVM, to let you know if they are enabled/disabled.  Only a three-button USB mouse can be used.

2.  What operating systems does the KVM support?

The KVMs are designed to work with laptops and desktops.  The KVMs have been tested to work with Windows®, Mac®, and Linux® computers (Red Hat® and Ubuntu®).
 
3.  Can I daisy chain the KVM with another KVM?

No, this is not supported.

4.  What types of hardware does the KVM support?

The KVM supports the following hardware:
 
  • The KVM supports most standard USB keyboards and mice.
  • For security reasons the following devices are not supported and should not be used:
    • Microphones or headsets with microphones
    • Wireless keyboards, mice, and audio device
  • Models with "MOD" in the model name support VGA, DVI-D, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, USB-C (TB3) and HDMI video both from computers and monitors.  The maximum supported resolution is 3840 x 2160 at 30 Hz.
  • The KVM must use Belkin modular cable sets to connect computers and monitors.
 
FUNCTIONALITY

1.  What video formats are supported on the KVM?

The supported video format is dependent on the cable selected for the display.  The KVM supports VGA, DVI-D, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, USB-C, and HDMI video both from computers and monitors.  The maximum supported resolution is 3840 x 2160 at 30 Hz.

2.  Can I use a CAC reader with the KVM?

No, this is not supported.

3.  What are its recommended operating and storage temperatures?

Below are the operating, storage, and humidity requirements for the KVM:
 
  • Operating temperature:  between 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
  • Storage temperature:  between -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
  • Humidity:  0% to 80% relative humidity, non-condensing

4.  How does the KVM protect various computer enclaves?

The KVM protects computer enclaves by using isolation and data path protection through these features:
 
  • Tamper-proof electrical design - All microprocessors are one-time-programmable (OTP) and do not contain reprogrammable flash memory.  This protects against firmware tampering, locally or remotely.  Opening the enclosure triggers anti-tamper switches which render the KVM permanently inoperable.
  • Dedicated processors per port - Every peripheral uses its own emulator, preventing signal attacks and data leakage.
  • Restricted input/output - USB device signals are monitored in real-time for unauthorized peripheral device traffic.  Upon detection of an unauthorized device (thumb drive, etc.), all data is rejected from passing through the KVM.  Depending on the level of threat the KVM perceives, this can result in, but not limited to, black screen, clicking, cycling through ports, and erratic mouse or keyboard behavior.
  • Uni-directional data paths - Optical diodes ensure data flows in one direction, preventing upstream signal attacks and data leakage by using Physics, not by electronic circuits or firmware.
  • No memory buffers - Peripheral signals are pass-through, preventing data from being stored inside of the KVM.
  • Protected display information (EDID) - Advanced display plug-and-play emulation and protection guards against data leakages on each monitor connected to the KVM, preventing intruders from seeing when a switching event has occurred, as well as preventing the monitor from being used to move data from one computer to the next.
  • NIAP listed - The KVMs are certified and tested by the NIAP body to ensure they meet and exceed the protection profile requirements for each applicable device category.
 
 
Device
Attack Type
Vulnerability
Risk
Mice
Signal / Virus
Programmable components; memory chips and other components that can store data
Data leakage from one system to another
Keyboards
Signal / Virus
Bi-directional keys (Num Lock, Scroll Lock, Pause/Break) can be used to send and decode data from one system to another
Data leakage from one system to another
Monitors
Signal / Virus
Programmable components: manipulating monitor settings can be used to send and decode data from one system to another
Data leakage from one system to another
USB Drives / Hubs
Virus
Programmable components that can used to store or inject data
Data leakage from one system to another
 
 
Yes, but after any physical change is made to the KVM it is recommended to manually power cycle the KVM by removing and inserting the power cable.
 
 
The KVM supports single or dual 4K displays at 30 Hz.
 

No.

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