What is Dynamic Device Mapping (DDM)?
Dynamic Device Mapping (DDM) is a patented advanced technology built into ConnectPRO KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switches that enhances the way devices, such as keyboards and mice, interact with multiple computers. DDM allows for seamless control over various connected systems without the need for reconfiguration, ensuring that peripheral devices retain their functionality and performance across multiple computers when switching between them.
The core idea behind DDM is to "map" the dynamic capabilities of connected devices—such as gaming keyboards with macros, multimedia controllers, or high-DPI gaming mice—so that these devices work consistently and reliably across all systems connected to the KVM switch. Without DDM, many KVM switches only support basic emulation of input devices, which can limit or disable advanced features of peripherals, making it difficult to use them fully in complex environments like gaming, video editing, or software development.
How Does Dynamic Device Mapping Work in a KVM Switch?
At its core, Dynamic Device Mapping operates through intelligent device recognition and real-time communication between the KVM switch and the connected peripherals. Here's how it works:
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Device Emulation vs. DDM:
- In traditional KVM switches without DDM, the switch emulates basic keyboard and mouse inputs when switching between systems. This is adequate for standard peripherals but often fails to support devices with specialized features such as programmable keys, RGB lighting, or customizable settings.
- KVM switches equipped with DDM, however, create a direct "pass-through" connection for these peripherals. This ensures that advanced features of a device, such as macros or software-controlled settings, remain intact when you switch between different systems.
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Maintaining Active Device States:
- One of the key features of DDM is its ability to maintain the active state of devices even when switching between computers. Typically, when switching between computers, the operating system reinitializes devices as if they were newly connected. DDM technology prevents this reinitialization by keeping the connection active and "mapped," allowing for instantaneous switching without the delay of rediscovery.
- This is especially beneficial in scenarios where users switch between multiple systems rapidly—such as during gaming sessions, multimedia editing, or handling multiple workstations—without losing device settings or performance.
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Advanced Peripheral Support:
- Dynamic Device Mapping also ensures that high-performance peripherals are supported across multiple systems. Many modern devices such as mechanical gaming keyboards with customizable macros, high-DPI gaming mice, and other sophisticated input devices require direct communication with their dedicated software. DDM enables this communication, allowing the full range of functionality to be available on each connected computer.
- For example, users can set up complex macros for a keyboard in a gaming environment and still have those macros available when switching to a work computer via the KVM switch.
- The only disadvantage of DDM is its limited endpoint support due to the memory capacity of the processing chips. So only pure HID (Human Interface Device) devices can work with DDM.Â
- Examples of non-pure HID devices are keyboards with USB hubs and keyboards that are split designs (such as ZSA Moonlander keyboard).
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Compatibility with Multiple Operating Systems:
- DDM-equipped KVM switches typically offer broader compatibility across operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. Because DDM maintains the device states and settings across systems, users don’t have to worry about reconfiguring devices when switching between different operating systems.
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Improved User Experience:
- The ultimate advantage of DDM is the improved user experience. By providing smoother transitions between computers, retaining peripheral settings, and supporting advanced devices, DDM makes KVM switches far more versatile and efficient in a variety of environments—from home offices and gaming setups to professional workstations and multi-system server management.
Why is DDM Important for Advanced Setups?
DDM is particularly important for users who depend on specialized peripherals. For gamers, the ability to maintain their gaming setup's responsiveness and performance across multiple PCs is a game-changer. Similarly, video editors, graphic designers, and software developers can continue using their advanced input devices without losing their customization and preferences when they switch between systems.
For environments where rapid switching between systems is essential, such as control rooms, media production, or trading floors, DDM adds a level of convenience and efficiency that helps reduce downtime and ensures that users can focus on their work without the interruption of device reinitialization.
For more details about how ConnectPRO's KVM switches equipped with DDM technology can benefit users, please refer to this article here.
Conclusion
Dynamic Device Mapping (DDM) is a patented revolutionary feature in ConnectPRO KVM switches that offers a more seamless, reliable, and efficient way to manage multiple systems. By retaining the full functionality of advanced peripherals, allowing for instant switching between computers, and supporting various operating systems, DDM has made KVM switches much more adaptable to the needs of modern users. While DDM can offer impressive capabilities, but it's important to remember to not use DDM with non-pure HID devices. Whether you're a gamer, a creative professional, or a work-from-home user, DDM-enabled KVM switches offer a smooth and powerful way to manage your multi-system setups.
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We've made a list of devices that can work with DDM, and which ones will not work with DDM. You can reference the list in the link below. Note the list will periodically update as we continue to test different devices with our KVM switches. Link here