Adder Technology

Adder Technology is a UK manufacturer of KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switches and AV/IT extension hardware, with 26 products in the Rugged catalogue. Its range spans local and IP-based KVM switches, KVM over IP, AV extenders and USB extenders, letting operators control multiple computers, servers and serial devices from a single console. Models include the ALIF and AVX series alongside AV4PRO and AV8PRO multi-head switches. They are built for control rooms, broadcast suites, data centres and industrial environments where centralised, secure access to many systems is needed. Exact ports, video support and feature set vary by model, so confirm the specification on the relevant product page.

Yes. Adder Technology switches are designed for control-room and command-centre work where operators need to view and control many machines from one position. The AVX5016IP, for example, manages 16 ports with both IP and serial console access, supports up to four simultaneous IP users with individual access controls, and runs AES 128-bit encryption with RSA 2048-bit authentication. Many models support standard PC, Sun and Mac video up to 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz, suiting SCADA, broadcast, security and surveillance consoles. Housings are typically robust 1U metal cases for rack mounting. Capabilities differ across the range, so check the individual product page for user count, encryption and resolution.

Both extend keyboard, video and mouse signals away from the host computer, but they work differently. A KVM extender such as the ALIF2002 carries video and USB over CATx or fibre to a fixed remote point, supporting DVI-D resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz with digital audio and bidirectional RS232. KVM over IP, by contrast, routes signals across a standard IP network so any authorised user can connect to any host, which suits larger and more flexible deployments. Several Adder units, including the ALIF and AVX IP models, support both approaches. The right choice depends on distance, user numbers and network design, so confirm on the product page.

Some do. Ruggedness varies across the Adder range, from semi-rugged extenders to military-grade switches. The AVX5016IP is rated military grade, reinforced for vibration and shock resistance to MIL-STD-810, and built in a robust metal case. Other units such as the ALIF2002 carry CE and RoHS compliance with an IP50 environment rating and reinforced metal housing rather than a military test standard. Operating temperature on many models runs from 0°C to 40°C. Because certification differs from product to product, always confirm the exact ratings, IP figure and standards on the specific Adder product page before specifying for a demanding environment.

Adder Technology switches are designed for broad compatibility. Models such as the AVX5016IP operate with PCs, Macs, Sun and other systems and work with effectively all known operating systems, including all Windows versions, DOS, Linux, Unix, BSD, Sun OS, Mac OS and NetWare. Connection to host machines is handled through modular Computer Access Modules supporting PS/2, USB and Sun interfaces, so mixed estates can be managed from one switch. Extenders in the ALIF range support DVI, USB, audio and RS232 peripherals. Supported interfaces and module options vary by model, so confirm the required connections and any additional modules on the relevant product page.

Yes. Several Adder Technology switches combine KVM control with serial and console access in one unit. The AVX5016IP provides both IP and serial console access across 16 ports, managing computers and serial devices from a single field-ready switch and integrating with RS232-triggered power and peripheral systems. Network connectivity is provided through a 10/100Mb auto-sensing Ethernet RJ45 port. Extenders such as the ALIF2002 pass RS232 between units at up to 115,200 baud for touchscreens, printers and similar peripherals. This consolidates control of mixed equipment and reduces infrastructure. Serial capabilities and port counts differ across the range, so verify them on the specific product page.

Adder Technology hardware is used wherever centralised, reliable control of multiple systems matters. In the Rugged catalogue these products are mapped to broadcast and media, energy and utilities, industrial manufacturing, public sector, security and surveillance, education and logistics. Typical applications include broadcast and media control consoles, SCADA and control-room access, emergency dispatch and incident management, secure access and authentication terminals, and security and surveillance operations. The IP-based models suit larger distributed estates, while extenders suit fixed point-to-point links. The right model depends on user numbers, distance and security needs, so review the application notes and specification on the individual product page.

Adder Technology builds access control and encryption into its IP-based switches. The AVX5016IP, for instance, supports up to four simultaneous IP users with individual access controls and a separate local console, and protects communications with AES 128-bit encryption and RSA 2048-bit authentication. This makes the range suitable for secure access and command-and-control settings where unauthorised connection must be prevented. Physical security is reinforced by robust metal casing built for continuous operation. Security features and user-permission models differ between switches, so where access control is critical, confirm the encryption, authentication and per-user controls on the specific Adder product page before specifying.