The Master View CS1708 and CS1716 KVM Switches are control units that allow access to multiple computers from a single console (keyboard, mouse, and monitor). A single Master View can control up to eight (CS-1708) or 16 (CS-1716) computers. As many as 31 additional switches can be added in a daisy chain configuration, allowing up to 512 computers to be controlled from a single keyboard-monitor-mouse console. A seven segment front panel LED displays each Station's position for easy identification. An auto-sensing function recognizes the position of each station (switch) on the chain, eliminating the need to manually set the position with DIP switches. The CS-1708 and CS-1716 improve on previous models by providing USB ports for the console Keyboard and Mouse, and by transfering keyboard and mouse data to the computers via the faster, more reliable USB bus rather than the traditional PS/2 connection and in providing Multimedia keyboard support. The CS-1708 and CS-1716 also utilize a custom ASIC (patent pending) for increased reliability and enhanced performance. By incorporating high density 15 pin CPU port connectors instead of the usual 25 pin connectors, a full, 16 port switch can be installed in a 1U system rack. Setup is fast and easy; simply plug cables into their appropriate ports. There is no software to configure, no installation routines, and no incompatibility problems. Since the CS-1708/CS-1716 intercepts keyboard input directly, it works on multiple operating platforms (PC compatible, MAC, SUN).