At TESmart, our USB-C KVM switches harness the power of Multi-Stream Transport (MST) technology from DisplayPort (DP), allowing you to effortlessly connect multiple monitors using just one USB-C port. This innovative solution not only reduces desktop clutter but also streamlines your workflow, making multitasking more efficient than ever. In this blog, we'll explore how MST technology integrated into our TESmart USB-C KVM switches can boost your productivity and share best practices for setting up your multi-monitor system.
What is MST (Multi-Stream Transport)?
As some people know that MST (Multi-Stream Transport) is a technology first developed on DisplayPort 1.2 standard, allowing multiple displays to connect to a single DisplayPort on a computer.
It merges several video signals into a single stream, transmitting it via a DisplayPort cable. This allows users to connect multiple monitors to their laptop or desktop through a single DisplayPort. The video signals are then separated by a device, such as an MST hub or a chain of daisy-chained MST monitors, to be displayed across multiple screens.
How is MST (Multi-Stream Transport) Combined with USB-C?
MST (Multi-Stream Transport) technology can be used with USB-C because USB-C ports can carry DisplayPort signals through a feature known as DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode). When a USB-C port supports DP Alt Mode, it allows video output similar to a DisplayPort connection, enabling users to connect multiple monitors to a laptop or desktop using a single USB-C port.
Here's how it works:
- USB-C with DP Alt Mode: A USB-C port supporting DP Alt Mode can output DisplayPort signals, including MST, allowing it to function like a DisplayPort output(not all USB-C ports feature DisplayPort Alt Mode functionality).
- MST Hub or Daisy-Chaining: The USB-C connection sends the combined video stream to an MST hub or directly to an MST-compatible monitor setup (daisy-chaining). The hub or monitors then split the stream into individual signals for each connected display.
How TESmart USB-C KVM Switches Supports MST (Multi-Stream Transport)
TESmart's USB-C KVM switches are designed to maximize your productivity by integrating MST (Multi-Stream Transport) technology, taking your multi-monitor setup to the next level. Our KVM switches not only feature USB-C ports that support DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode), but they also function as MST hubs themselves. This means that with TESmart's KVM switches, you can connect multiple displays through a single USB-C port and seamlessly switch between different devices, all while maintaining the MST signal output to your monitors.
When using a laptop as the main device and connecting it to two or more external monitors through our KVM switch, the USB-C port on our KVM supports MST technology. This means that users only need one USB-C cable to connect their laptop to our KVM, allowing them to easily switch between multiple monitors.
Without MST support in the KVM, each external monitor would require its own separate cable connecting the KVM to the corresponding host device. This would not only increase the number of cables but also create a more cluttered workspace, which is not ideal for efficient work. With TESmart's KVM switch, users can achieve multi-screen display and seamless host switching with just one USB-C cable, greatly simplifying the setup and enhancing productivity.
*Mac laptops do not support MST (Multi-Stream Transport). But TESmart KVM switches features at two USB-C ports for dual monitors for Mac users.
MST (Multi-Stream Transport) KVM Switch Recommendations
HDC202-P23 is a dual monitor USB-C KVM switches for one laptop and one desktop. It features an HDMI+DP port combination to match most graphics cards and two USB-C ports to support both Windows laptops with MST and MacBooks without MST. This device is not just a switch, but a comprehensive 9-in-1 docking station that transforms your workspace.
The built-in power module ensures your laptop stays charged, instead of having to set up a separate network connection for each device, a built-in 1000 Mbps LAN port allows your laptops and desktops to access the internet with just a single network cable. And the array of ports, including USB 3.0, LAN, and headphone/microphone jack, meet all your connectivity needs.
For other features:
- It supports up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 resolution and high refresh rates, Catering to high refresh rate enthusiasts with support for 1080P@240Hz/165Hz/144Hz/120Hz and 2560×1440@120Hz.
- It supports switch inputs using hotkeys, the front panel button, or the remote control.
- It supports EDID emulation to prevent resolution and icon rearrangement.
- It supports K&M pass-through to ensureadaptability with various keyboards, including wired, wireless, mechanical, and gaming keyboards.
HCK402-P23 is a dual monitor USB-C KVM switches meticulously designed for 4 PCs (2 desktops + 2 laptops). It features an 2x2 HDMI ports and two 2x2 USB-C ports to support both Windows laptops with MST and MacBooks without MST.
It includes 4x USB 3.0 (two with power delivery), 2x USB for K&M (customized for keyboards and mice, compatible with 99.99% of setups), 1x LAN, and 1x 3.5mm headphone/Micphone jack.
For other features:
- It supports 4K@60Hz 4:4:4. Catering to high refresh rate enthusiasts with support for 1080P@240Hz/165Hz/144Hz/120Hz and 2560×1440@120Hz.
- It supports switch inputs using hotkeys, the front panel button, or the remote control.
- It supports EDID emulation to prevent resolution and icon rearrangement.
- It supports K&M pass-through to ensureadaptability with various keyboards, including wired, wireless, mechanical, and gaming keyboards.
- It has one-touch locking functionto protect private information, with audio output pause and LCD screen brightness reduction.
- It’s designed with LCD visual display for easy setup, equipped with 3 lockable USB 3.0 channels and 1 integrated microphone and L/R audio output.
