How to change device identity?

What is device identity

Device identity refers to the KVM's identity recognized by the controlled device. It can be found in the KVM's control panel -> Settings -> System. By default, the device identity is GLKVM.

Typically, the KVM is equipped with a Type-C port, as shown below, which connects to the controlled device's USB port to simulate keyboard and mouse signal.

When the user clicks the mouse or types on the keyboard on the KVM control panel (i.e. remote control end), the keyboard and mouse signals will be remotely transmitted to the physical KVM device, and then the KVM will map the input to the controlled device through its Type-C port based on the corresponding key positions.

Note

If the input method/keyboard of the controlling device is not consistent with that of the controlled device, some symbols/letters may have different positions on the keyboard, which can cause the output of the controlled end to be inconsistent with the input of the controlling end. Click here for details.

Therefore, the KVM is usually regarded as a peripheral device connected to the controlled device's USB port, such as a keyboard.

Since the device identity of GL.iNet KVM is GLKVM by default, it is displayed as GLKVM or similar identifier in the system settings of the controlled device (such as Bluetooth & devices).

Why change device identity

By default, GL.iNet KVM is recognized by the controlled devices as peripheral devices, such as a keyboard, microphone, or monitor. This usually does not cause inconvenience, as these settings are visible only by users themselves.

(microphone settings)

(speaker settings)

However, users may need to change KVM's device identity in the following scenarios.

Scenario 1: Avoiding alerts from monitoring software on office computer

When the controlled device is an office computer, it may have built-in or installed monitoring software. These tools may mark KVM remote access as abnormal activity, trigger alerts, and even report to IT systems.

Changing the KVM's device identity can help prevent such unnecessary notifications, while maintaining normal remote control functionality.

Scenario 2: Hiding KVM remote usage during online meeting screen sharing

During online meetings that require screen sharing, the controlled device's system settings (e.g., Bluetooth & devices) may display the KVM's default identity. This may expose your KVM remote access usage to meeting participants, which could be undesirable for some users.

Changing the device identity ensures the KVM remains hidden in shared screens.

(screen sharing)

Scenario 3: Resolving unresponsive mouse/keyboard control on the controlled device

If you fail to control the mouse and keyboard on the controlled device through KVM, try modifying the KVM's device identity to avoid compatibility issues, enabling smooth signal transmission between the KVM and the controlled device.

How to change device identity

1. Log in to your KVM, and navigate to Settings -> System -> Device Identity. Select a preset identity from the drop-down list.

   

   Or click on Customize and fill in the parameters you want in the pop-up window.

   

2. Once selected, there will be a pop-up window asking to restart. Click Confirm to restart.

   

3. After restarting, on the KVM control panel, the Device Identity has been changed to the modified one.

   

   Access your controlled device via KVM, and navigate to Settings -> Bluetooth & devices (taking Windows 10 Pro as an example). The input (keyboard), audio, and monitor are recognized as the devices you customized, which are no longer GLKVM.

   

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