ConnectPRO is a well experienced company in the KVM switch market for over 30 years, offering professional-grade solutions for seamless control of multiple computers. One of the hallmark innovations is DDM (Dynamic Device Mapping) technology. This patented feature is designed to eliminate lag and re-detection delays by keeping USB keyboard and mouse connections active across all connected systems simultaneously.
While DDM brings many benefits, it’s not without its challenges—particularly when it comes to compatibility with certain keyboards and mice. In this article, we’ll explore why DDM doesn't work with all peripherals on the market today and what steps users can take to overcome these limitations.
What Is DDM Technology?
Dynamic Device Mapping (DDM) is ConnectPRO’s proprietary solution that emulates the presence of USB devices (typically keyboard and mouse) across multiple computers that are connected to the KVM switch. With DDM enabled:
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Each computer believes the keyboard and mouse are directly connected to it.
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Switching between systems is near-instant, with no re-enumeration delays.
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Certain hotkey or special-function features are preserved.
This offers a major performance advantage in many use cases—especially in industrial, control room, gaming applications, and enterprise environments.
Why DDM Isn’t Universally Compatible
Despite its advantages, DDM doesn’t work flawlessly with every keyboard and/or mouse on the market. Here's why:
1. Non-Standard USB Protocols
Some keyboards and mice—especially high-end gaming models—use non-standard USB descriptors or proprietary communication protocols that deviate from USB HID (Human Interface Device) specifications.
DDM relies on emulating a standard HID device. When a device uses a custom driver or advanced functions (such as built-in memory, or macros), DDM may not be able to interpret or clone the device’s behavior accurately.
2. High Power Requirements
Certain USB devices, particularly those with integrated displays, built in USB hubs, or split keyboard designs, require more power than a standard USB port can provide. DDM-based emulation doesn't always forward this power draw properly, leading to performance issues or complete failure.
3. Unique Firmware Behavior
Some peripherals have firmware that expects direct interaction with a host computer. These devices may not behave correctly when routed through an emulation layer, even one as advanced as DDM.
4. Device Enumeration Timing
Some devices require very specific timing sequences during enumeration. The abstraction introduced by DDM can disrupt this timing, causing devices to fail to initialize or respond correctly.
Signs of Compatibility Issues
Users might encounter one or more of the following symptoms:
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Keyboard or mouse not recognized on some or all ports
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Delayed input, intermittent responsiveness, or no response at all
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Loss of special function keys or macros
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Devices disconnecting randomly
Steps Users Can Take to Work Around Compatibility Issues
If you're experiencing issues with your keyboard or mouse while using a ConnectPRO KVM switch with DDM, here are some recommended steps:
1. Use the Dedicated USB Bypass Ports
Many ConnectPRO KVM switches include two additional dedicated USB ports that bypasses DDM emulation. Plugging your non-compatible device into this USB port ensures that it communicates directly with the currently selected computer, maintaining full functionality.
Note: The trade-off is that you’ll lose seamless switching—your device may temporarily disconnect during a switch.
2. Use Standard HID Devices
For environments that demand full-time functionality across multiple systems, consider using keyboards and mice that conform strictly to USB HID standards. Basic wired devices or business-grade peripherals are most likely to work without issues.
3. Firmware Updates
Check with ConnectPRO support for any available firmware updates. Some firmware updates may be able to improve compatibility with newer devices or address specific user-reported bugs.
Conclusion
ConnectPRO’s patented DDM technology is a powerful innovation that enhances the functionality and user experience of KVM switching. However, its emulation-based approach isn't fully compatible with all USB peripherals on the market—particularly those with custom drivers or complex feature sets.
By understanding the limitations and applying simple workarounds, users can still take full advantage of ConnectPRO’s advanced switching capabilities while minimizing compatibility headaches. If you're uncertain whether your devices are compatible, reach out to ConnectPRO support—they’re well-versed in helping customers get the most out of their hardware.
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