HP 262588-B21 - 2 KVM CAT5 PS/2 Interface Adapter

The HP 262588-B21 KVM CAT5 PS/2 Interface Adapter is a server-side dongle that allows administrators to connect PS/2-equipped servers to an HP KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch using standard CAT5 network cabling. Instead of running dedicated multi-conductor KVM cables from each server to the switch — cables that are expensive, bulky, and difficult to route in dense racks — this adapter converts the server's PS/2 keyboard and mouse signals into a format that travels over an ordinary RJ-45 Ethernet patch cable to the KVM switch.

This adapter is purpose-built for HP's KVM switch ecosystem and plugs directly into the PS/2 ports on the rear of a server. Once connected, a single CAT5 cable runs from the adapter to the corresponding port on the HP KVM console switch, giving the administrator keyboard and mouse control of that server from a centralized management station. For data centers and server rooms still running legacy hardware with PS/2 interfaces, this adapter keeps infrastructure tidy and manageable without requiring a full KVM cabling overhaul. It is worth noting that this is a PS/2-only device — environments transitioning to USB-based servers will need the corresponding USB interface adapter instead.