Mouse synchronization problems and related issues can be attributed to a variety causes (server resolutions set too low, individual server mouse settings, etc.) - most of which are easily fixed. You can use automatic mouse synchronization by turning on the Automatic Sync Mode that is found in most IP KVMs, or you can manually synchronize the mice. The following sections describe manual mouse synchronization procedures that are applicable to most IP KVMs.
Manual Mouse Synchronization
Before trying any mouse synchronization procedures, it is always a good idea to ensure that you go to your Mouse Properties Settings and set them according to the instructions that follow. The Mouse Properties Settings should be set on the remote computer, not the computer you are using to access it.
Note: In order for the local and remote mice to synchronize, you must use the generic mouse driver supplied with the MS operating system. If you have a third party driver installed-such as one supplied by the mouse manufacturer-you must remove it.
Windows 2000:
- Open the Mouse Properties dialog box
- Click the Motion tab
- Set the mouse speed to the middle position (6 units in from the left)
- Set the mouse acceleration to None
Windows XP and later:
- Open the Mouse Properties dialog box
- Click the Pointer Options tab
- Set the mouse speed to the middle position (6 units in from the left)
- Disable Enhance Pointer Precision
Sun / Linux:
Open a terminal session and issue the following command:
Sun: xset m 1 Linux: xset m 0
Note: Mouse synchronization may require several seconds to take effect. Wait for 15 to 30 seconds to ensure that the mouse has had enough time to sync.
In most cases, this will bring your local and remote mouse pointers in alignment. However, there are a number of factors that affect mouse synchronization. Because there are a variety of platforms available - each with its own properties and settings - it's easy for something to go wrong.
The good news? Fixing this issue is pretty easy.
If you are still having syncing problems after adjusting the mouse properties, try the following methods to help synchronize the local and remote mouse pointers, as well as improve response time.
- Perform a Video Auto Sync in your IP KVM's remote session. In most cases, the local and remote mouse pointers will sync following the video auto sync.
- Most IP KVM's will feature a hotkey command that synchronizes the local and remote mouse pointers. Consult your KVM's documentation to find out if such a command is available, and if so, what is the keyboard sequence required to perform it.
- Most IP KVM's will have a remote session Video Settings screen, where you can adjust various settings that affect video quality. To improve response time, adjust the video settings to decrease the amount of information being transferred over the network. The less data that is being sent, the faster the response time. In particular, focus on settings that directly affect the image being displayed, such as Video Quality, Grayscale or Color Depth. To improve response time, go to the display settings section of the remote computer and lower the video resolution, refresh rate and color settings.
- If the remote computer has a graphic desktop background, change it to a solid color background.
