A computerized switching system for coupling a workstation to a remotely
located computer. A signal conditioning unit receives keyboard and mouse
signals generated by a workstation and generates a data packet which is
transmitted to a central crosspoint switch. The packet is routed through a
crosspoint switch to another signal conditioning unit located at a
remotely located computer. The second signal conditioning unit applies the
keyboard and mouse commands to the keyboard and mouse connectors of the
computer as if the keyboard and mouse were directly coupled to the remote
computer. Video signals produced by the remote computer are transmitted
through the crosspoint switch to the workstation. Horizontal and vertical
sync signals are encoded on to the video signals to reduce the number of
cables that extend between the workstation and the remote computer. The
signal conditioning units connected to the workstations include an
onscreen programming circuit that produces menus for the user on a video
display of the workstation.