Definition of Keyboard Emulator in Network Encyclopedia.

What is Keyboard Emulator?

Keyboard Emulator is a device that can be plugged into the keyboard port of a server to emulate the presence of a connected keyboard. When a power outage causes the server to reboot, the server detects the presence of a keyboard and the reboot is allowed to occur. This is important when administrators are off site when servers need to be rebooted, because computers normally do not boot unless a keyboard is attached.

A keyboard emulator is used as a security device when the presence of an attached keyboard is not desirable, such as when the servers are in an unlocked room or can be tampered with in some other fashion.

By removing the keyboard and installing a keyboard emulator, you can prevent unauthorized users from attempting a local logon to a server.