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U2723QE, pinning one upstream USB port
I recently purchased a Dell U2723QE to use as a second monitor for both a laptop and desktop. The laptop is connected via USB-C for display and power (port 5), and the desktop is connected via HDMI (possibly switching to Displayport, but either way, no data) along with USB (port 8).
I want to simplify cabling by attaching my mouse and keyboard to the monitor, but I already have a software keyboard/mouse sharing solution set up (Barrier), so want the mouse and keyboard to always go to the desktop (USB port 8). However, the monitor "helpfully" switches its USB ports to the computer being displayed, routing my mouse and keyboard to the laptop when it is being displayed. I can't find any configuration to pin the USB port routing to go to the desktop; AFAICT, the only way to do this would be to stop using USB-C for the laptop and instead use a USB-C to Displayport cable for the laptop so that the monitor can't send USB to the laptop. However, that would require me to use an additional cable for charging the laptop, which is inconvenient. Is there really no way to make the monitor stupider and just forward the USB signal to the one I tell it to?
edanaher
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June 27th, 2024 00:53
Highlights from my original post:
I want to simplify cabling by attaching my mouse and keyboard to the monitor
... instead use a USB-C to Displayport cable for the laptop so that the monitor can't send USB to the laptop. However, that would require me to use an additional cable for charging the laptop, which is inconvenient
Yes, I could just connect the mouse and keyboard to the desktop, but I want to simplify the cabling as noted in my first snippet.
I understand the intended use; I mentioned that I'm using my own KVM and don't want to use the monitor's (I could have been more explicit there.)
My second highlight points out why I don't just want to connect the laptop over a display cable.
My problem is the "intended technical requirement" that the monitor act as a KVM. I understand that that's nice, but assumed there would be a way to disable it that doesn't require the inconvenience of running extra cables.
Clearly, given the hoops you're jumping through to try to justify giving me a solution that contradicts my requirements, my requirements just can't be satisfied, and I should give up and accept that I can't use the monitor exactly the way I hope to, and will just have to accept a compromise.
Chino de Oro
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June 18th, 2024 20:48
Or you can just simply connect the mouse/keyboard to the desktop. Monitor or desktop, mouse/keyboard takes the same number of USB connection, but desktop has to use an extra upstream connection cable if mouse/keyboard is connected to the monitor.
edanaher
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June 25th, 2024 15:41
Hmm? If I plug the mouse and keyboard into the monitor, then the monitor into the desktop, that frees up a port on the desktop. Plus, I have an adjustable-height desk, and having fewer cables that can get pulled down as it moves up and down is a positive.
Yes, I could just ignore the feature entirely, but it seems like an oversight in the product that there's no way make the feature useful in this case.
Chino de Oro
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June 25th, 2024 21:49
You may want to review your setup connection again because many others have their mouse/keyboard connected to the monitor downstream port and KVM switching option worked well for them.
You may consider to make your U2723QE as first monitor, daisy chain the DisplayPort-out from U2723QE to your other monitor. Both of laptop and desktop should be connected to the U2723QE and with upstream connection. That way, both of dual monitor and mouse/keyboard will be available to either computer or laptop input selection.
edanaher
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June 26th, 2024 11:17
You are suggesting the opposite of what I want: I do *not* want KVM switching. I want a stupid "Always send USB inputs to the to port 8, regardless of what the monitor is showing".
I do not want to daisy chain the monitors, because I want the second monitor to always show the desktop. I want to have my laptop screen, my desktop screen, and the U2723QE which can switch between the two. But when I switch the U2723QE, I want to *only* switch the U2723QE, and not the other monitor or the mouse and keyboard.
However, as currently configured (and the only way it can be configured, AFAICT), switching the U2723QE also switches the keyboard and mouse when plugged into the monitor, which is nice KVM functionality that is very convenient for most people, but *not what I want*.
(edited)
Chino de Oro
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June 26th, 2024 20:39
Am a bit lost at what the issue here. Since you wanted the mouse and keyboard always being seen by the desktop, my first comment suggested to connect mouse and keyboard to the desktop instead of connecting to the monitor.
You have mentioned about the monitor features could not be used for your setup. Hence my comment pointing out the intended setup and features of the monitor.
You wanted to connect the mouse and keyboard to the monitor but also do not want the laptop to see the mouse and keyboard when you connected the laptop to the monitor?
If I say do not connect the upstream connection to your laptop, just connecting the video signal from laptop to the monitor only. Maybe you will have another preference that keeping you from doing so.
I think that there is no real issue here if you are connecting all devices in your setup with intended technical requirement for the devices to work and you will see they all work the way you wanted.