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Networking 6 min read

Cross-Machine Control Without Cloud Relays: Direct LAN Mouse & Keyboard Handoff

By CmdVault Engineering
Published on August 2, 2026

Developers working across multiple physical computers—such as a primary workstation desktop and a secondary laptop—frequently struggle with peripheral management or rely on cloud-based remote desktop software that introduces network latency and video compression artifacts.

How "Borders" WorksCmdVault's Multi-Device Control enables you to push your mouse cursor past the physical edge of one monitor to smoothly transition mouse and keyboard focus to a second machine on the same local network.

Direct Encrypted TCP Communications

Unlike cloud-based mouse sharing or remote desktop software, Borders operates over a direct TCP socket connection between the two devices. Mouse coordinates, wheel deltas, and keyboard input events are encrypted end-to-end and transmitted directly over your Local Area Network (LAN).

Low-Level System Event Interception

Under the hood, CmdVault registers native OS input hooks via rdev. When the cursor touches the configured screen boundary (Left, Right, Top, or Bottom), the controller machine suppresses local pointer movement and streams coordinate deltas to the target machine, which synthesizes mouse and keyboard inputs locally.

Emergency Hotkey Protection

If the secondary machine disconnects or screen state gets out of alignment, pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc instantly disengages input suppression and restores mouse and keyboard control to the local host machine.

CmdVault Developer Insights