ATEN CS1188DP4C
Expert rating8.6 / 10
- Port Count:
- 8 (secure)
- Video Standard:
- DisplayPort
- Max Resolution:
- 1920x1200@60Hz
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Manufacturer: ATEN Last updated: September 12, 2026
ATEN CS1188DP4C (8-Port Secure DisplayPort KVM Switch with CAC / NIAP PP4.0 / $981.35) Review
The ATEN CS1188DP4C is an 8-port secure DisplayPort KVM switch built to NIAP PP4.0 requirements, adding a dedicated switched CAC/smart-card reader port to the CS1188DP4's isolated per-channel design, priced at $981.35.
The C in CS1188DP4C stands for the added CAC (Common Access Card) reader channel, letting a single smart-card reader follow the active computer selection just like the keyboard and mouse do, which is required in a lot of federal and DoD environments doing PKI-based login across multiple domains. Everything else — 8 isolated channels, pushbutton-only switching, no general USB hub — is identical to the CS1188DP4. Versus the ATEN CS1188DP4 — the non-CAC sibling at the same price point, worth choosing only when smart-card authentication isn't required. Versus the SmartAVI SKMN-8S-P already in this catalog — a comparable secure KM switch with CAC support, worth comparing on video pass-through since the SKMN line is keyboard/mouse-only.
Adds a Switched CAC/PIV Reader Port
The C in CS1188DP4C stands for the added CAC (Common Access Card) reader channel, letting a single smart-card reader follow the active computer selection just like the keyboard and mouse do, required in many federal and DoD environments doing PKI-based login across multiple domains.
Same 8-Channel Isolation as the CS1188DP4
Everything else — 8 isolated channels, pushbutton-only switching, no general USB hub — is identical to the CS1188DP4, just with the smart-card path added.
Comparison to Alternatives
Versus the ATEN CS1188DP4 — the non-CAC sibling at the same price point, worth choosing only when smart-card authentication isn't required. Versus the SmartAVI SKMN-8S-P already in this catalog — a comparable secure KM switch with CAC support, worth comparing on video pass-through since the SKMN line is keyboard/mouse-only.
Specifications
Design
| Port Count | 8 |
|---|---|
| Switching Method | Front-panel pushbutton only (no hotkey) |
Topology
| KVM Segment | Rack |
|---|
Video & Features
| Video Standard | DisplayPort |
|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 1920x1200@60Hz |
| USB Hub Ports | 0 |
| Audio Support | No |
Display continuity
| EDID Emulation | Yes |
|---|
In the box and price
| Price | 981.35 USD |
|---|
| Brand | ATEN |
|---|---|
| Model | CS1188DP4C |
| Security Certification | NIAP PP4.0 compliant |
| CAC/Smart Card Support | Yes, dedicated switched CAC/PIV reader port |
| Data Isolation | Isolated video buffers and push-button-only data path per channel |
| USB-C Power Delivery | No |
| Monitors | 1 |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating8.6 / 10
The CAC-equipped version of ATEN's 8-port secure DisplayPort switch, essential where PKI smart-card login is mandated.
Best for
- Federal/DoD desks requiring CAC or PIV smart-card authentication across domains
- Analysts needing 8 isolated NIAP PP4.0 domains with switched smart-card access
- Facilities standardizing on ATEN's CS118xDP4 secure family
Not for
- Deployments not requiring CAC/smart-card support (the CS1188DP4 is equivalent otherwise)
- Smaller 2-4 domain desks (see the CS1184DP4 or add CAC variants)
- Desks needing 4K resolution
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the ATEN CS1188DP4C (8-Port Secure DisplayPort KVM Switch with CAC / NIAP PP4.0 / $981.35)?
The ATEN CS1188DP4C (8-Port Secure DisplayPort KVM Switch with CAC / NIAP PP4.0 / $981.35) is a KVM switch from ATEN. Key specs: Port Count 8 (secure), Switching Method Front-panel pushbutton only (no hotkey), Video Standard DisplayPort, Max Resolution 1920x1200@60Hz, USB Hub Ports 0 (isolated keyboard/mouse only).
Who is the ATEN CS1188DP4C (8-Port Secure DisplayPort KVM Switch with CAC / NIAP PP4.0 / $981.35) best suited to?
It suits federal/dod desks requiring cac or piv smart-card authentication across domains, analysts needing 8 isolated niap pp4.0 domains with switched smart-card access, facilities standardizing on aten's cs118xdp4 secure family.
What are the drawbacks of the ATEN CS1188DP4C (8-Port Secure DisplayPort KVM Switch with CAC / NIAP PP4.0 / $981.35)?
It is a poor fit for deployments not requiring cac/smart-card support (the cs1188dp4 is equivalent otherwise), smaller 2-4 domain desks (see the cs1184dp4 or add cac variants), desks needing 4k resolution.
Compare and read more
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