KVM mouse issue

from Stardock Forums
I'm currently using the 30 day trial of Multiplicity KVM. So far the functionality has been great, and I'm quite certain that I will buy the software. However, there's one issue I've had several times, and I hope you could look into it.
 
Here's the scenario:
I have a desktop computer configured as a Primary in Multiplicity. Then I have two laptops configured as secondary computers on the left side of the Primary PC. One of these laptops is also configured in KVM mode which I use most often.

The issue comes when I'm using the laptop over KVM, and I enable VPN connection in the laptop (which momentarily breaks the LAN connection between the laptop and desktop), the mouse and keyboard stops sometimes (not always) working over the KVM but display/picture works always. During the mouse and keyboard outage, the picture works, but I cannot interact with the remote computer. All mouse and keyboard actions are ignored. It will work again when I reconnect the KVM. But I need to change the VPN state quite often during the day, and the issue also shows up several times a day. Multiplicity KVM works when VPN is either enabled or disabled. But the VPN connection state change sometimes breaks it.

EDIT: Both the Desktop and the Laptop using KVM are connected with Ethernet cable. WIFI is disabled on the KVM laptop.

multiplicity
7,985 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
I have forward your problem/question to Stardock Support Team for their assistance. Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates. We appreciate your feedback and patience.

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,

Sorry to hear you are having trouble.

First, you are going to want to make sure you are connecting to the Secondary with the LAN IP (not the VPN one or the hostname), example"

Second, whenever we see that one cannot interact with the Desktop, its usually always a firewall issue.  You want to ensure that the network is always 'Private' and that it does not (somehow) change when connecting to the VPN.  This is what we usually send people when this happens for normal connections:

https://forums.stardock.com/486104/multiplicity-support-faq#movemousesecondary

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager

Start11 - Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 10/11.
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Why does manual KVM reconnection fix the issue? Does Multiplicity do something with the firewall while connecting manually? And why won't the display/picture disconnect as well when mouse and keyboard is lost?

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting fiasko81, reply 3

Why does manual KVM reconnection fix the issue? Does Multiplicity do something with the firewall while connecting manually?
End of fiasko81's quote

Not sure what you mean here... Do you mean it worked when you connected from the MP UI but still does not from the Sidebar app?  Did you make the IP change?

Quoting fiasko81, reply 3

And why won't the display/picture disconnect as well when mouse and keyboard is lost?
End of fiasko81's quote

Because they are separate processes.  The connection is not lost, just the ability to interact with the desktop.

Again, do you have a working solution now?

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting sdRohan, reply 4
Quoting fiasko81,

reply 3

Why does manual KVM reconnection fix the issue? Does Multiplicity do something with the firewall while connecting manually?


Not sure what you mean here... Do you mean it worked when you connected from the MP UI but still does not from the Sidebar app?  Did you make the IP change?

End of sdRohan's quote

I meant that if the cause of losing mouse and keyboard connection is with firewall settings, and manually disconnecting and reconnecting KVM fixes the mouse and keyboard, that might suggest that Multiplicity would do something with the firewall settings while connecting. Anyway. This seems not to be the case, if I understood correctly.

I believe the issue is now resolved. I configured a static IP for the laptop that I'm using the KVM with, and enabled the connection with IP address setting in Multiplicity, and now the mouse and keyboard have worked full work day withouth an issue. I have several VPN connect and disconnect cycles during the day.

So thank you for the help. I think this confirms my plan to buy the Multiplicity license.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting fiasko81, reply 5

So thank you for the help. I think this confirms my plan to buy the Multiplicity license.
End of fiasko81's quote

Excellent. Tell all your fiends ;)

Let us know if you need anything else and thanks for the business.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager