Portable server cluster, providing virtual server environment using same

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable server cluster (100), comprising at least the following components arranged in a common housing (120): three server modules (110), wherein each of the server modules (110) has a CPU (111), a GPU (112), a working memory (113), a mass memory (114) and a network connection (115), which are arranged on a common main board (116) and are communicatively interconnected via the main board (116); a network module (130) for communicatively connecting the server cluster (100) to a computer network outside the server cluster (100); two switch modules (140) which are redundant with respect to one another and which each communicatively connect the server modules (110) to one another and to the network module (130); and two power supply modules (150) which are redundant with respect to one another and which each supply the server modules (110) and the switch modules (140) with power. The invention also relates to a method which provides a virtual server environment using the portable server cluster.

Description

MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER Description Title of the invention: Portable server cluster, providing a virtual server environment thereby Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a server cluster comprising at least the following components: three server modules, each of which comprises a CPU, a GPU, a main memory, a mass storage device and a network connection, arranged on a common mainboard and communicatively interconnected via the mainboard; a network module for communicatively connecting the server cluster to a computer network outside the server cluster; two mutually redundant switch modules, each of which communicatively connects the server modules to each other and to the network module; and two mutually redundant power supply modules, each of which supplies power to the server modules and the switch modules.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method that provides a virtual server environment with the portable server cluster. State of the art

[0003] In a world increasingly shaped by data and digital networking, energy efficiency in data centers is becoming a crucial factor. The growing demand for computing power and storage space is leading to a dramatic increase in electricity consumption. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centers worldwide consume approximately 1% to 2% of total electricity consumption. In Germany, this figure is estimated at 10 TWh to 15 TWh per year – a number that not only burdens the environment but also drives up operating costs for companies.

[0004] Data centers require an immense amount of energy to operate servers, process data, and store information. However, a large portion of this energy is used for cooling the servers. MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER It is estimated that up to 40% of a data center's total electricity consumption is due to air conditioning. This not only represents a financial burden but also has a significant impact on the environment.

[0005] Server virtualization allows companies to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. This significantly reduces the need for physical hardware and lowers energy consumption. Cloud computing also offers the ability to scale resources as needed, thus avoiding overcapacity.

[0006] Implementing modern cooling systems can drastically reduce energy consumption. Technologies like free cooling utilize the outside temperature to cool server rooms, thus reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning systems. Furthermore, intelligent cooling systems can optimize airflow and prevent hotspots in the data center.

[0007] More and more companies are relying on renewable energies such as solar or wind power to meet their electricity needs. Numerous initiatives already exist to promote renewable energies. By using green energy, data centers can not only reduce their carbon emissions but also lower their operating costs in the long term.

[0008] Effective energy management is essential for optimizing power consumption in data centers. By using monitoring tools, companies can track their energy consumption in real time and take targeted measures to reduce it. Data analytics helps identify and improve inefficient processes.

[0009] Document US 2011 / 0 074 791 A1 reveals the idea of ​​assembling a cost-effective, high-performance server as a cluster of several inexpensive gaming computers and an additional mass storage device. MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER

[0010] The publication by Zhe Fan et al.: “GPU Cluster for High Performance Computing” (DOI: 10.1109 / SC.2004.26) also reveals the idea of ​​assembling a cost-effective, high-performance server as a cluster of several inexpensive gaming computers. The cluster is installed in multiple server racks.

[0011] Setting up and configuring the clusters described in the aforementioned publications is lengthy and complicated, and the clusters require a large amount of space. Therefore, these clusters are not suitable for private individuals or small and medium-sized enterprises. Technical task

[0012] The object of the invention is to create a cost-effective and energy-efficient device suitable for private individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises for providing a virtual server environment, as well as a corresponding method. Technical solution

[0013] The present invention provides a portable server cluster according to claim 1, which solves the technical problem. The problem is also solved by a method according to claim 12. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0014] Portable, as used in the invention, means that the server cluster is so small and light that it can be carried by a single average person without technical aids. The server cluster preferably has a mass of no more than 12 kg, more preferably no more than 8 kg, and particularly no more than 4 kg. Without fasteners for mounting the server cluster in a server rack, the server cluster preferably has a length, width, and height of no more than 70 cm each, more preferably no more than 50 cm, and particularly no more than 35 cm. Without fasteners for mounting the server cluster in a server rack, the server cluster preferably has a volume of no more than 100 dm³.3 preferably no more than 50 dm 3 , in particular a maximum of 25 dm 3 . MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER

[0015] The server cluster comprises at least three server modules arranged in a common housing, each of which includes at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), at least one GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), at least one main memory (RAM), at least one mass storage device and at least one network connection, arranged on a common mainboard and interconnected via the mainboard.

[0016] The CPU has, for example, a clock frequency of 3 GHz to 10 GHz, preferably 5.2 GHz; a thermal design power of 50 W to 100 W, preferably 65 W; 5 to 10, preferably 8, processor cores; 10 to 20, preferably 16, threads; and / or a level 3 buffer memory with a capacity of 8 MB to 32 MB, preferably 16 MB.

[0017] The GPU, for example, has 10 to 15, preferably 12, processor cores and / or a clock frequency of 2 GHz to 5 GHz, preferably 2.8 GHz.

[0018] The server modules, for example, each have a length of at most 15 cm to 20 cm, preferably at most 17 cm; a width of at most 10 cm to 15 cm, preferably at most 12 cm; and / or a height of at most 2 cm to 10 cm, preferably at most 5 cm.

[0019] The server cluster includes at least one network module located in the housing for communicative connection of the server cluster with a computer network outside the server cluster.

[0020] The server cluster comprises at least two mutually redundant switch modules arranged in the housing, each of which connects the server modules to each other and to the network module.

[0021] The server cluster comprises at least two mutually redundant power supply modules arranged in the housing, each supplying power to the server modules and the switch modules.

[0022] The housing is, for example, cuboid in shape. The housing has, for example, a width of 20 cm to 70 cm, preferably 30 cm to 40 cm, particularly 32 cm; a height of 10 cm to 50 cm, preferably of MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER 20 cm to 30 cm, in particular 27 cm; and / or a depth of 10 cm to 50 cm, preferably 20 cm to 30 cm, in particular 28 cm.

[0023] The housing preferably consists of a number of metal sheets, for example steel sheets and / or aluminum sheets.

[0024] The housing encloses the server modules, the network module, the power supply modules and the switch modules, preferably in such a way that the modules are protected from environmental influences.

[0025] The portable server cluster is preferably cascadeable, with the switch modules in particular being designed to be cascadeable, allowing a super-server cluster to be built from several portable server clusters. This combination capability can be used, for example, to increase performance and / or to meet specific spatial requirements, such as fire safety. Beneficial effects

[0026] The portable design of the server cluster and the arrangement of components in a single enclosure allow the server cluster to be fully assembled and configured at the factory and then transported to a location where it can be quickly and easily set up and put into operation. The arrangement of the components within the enclosure protects them from environmental influences, particularly during transport and / or when the server cluster is set up in an environment not specifically designed for sensitive computer hardware, such as an office.

[0027] To put the server cluster into operation, it is sufficient, for example, to connect it to a power source and / or the computer network. This makes the server cluster particularly suitable for private individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises that do not have the necessary resources to set up, configure, and operate a traditional server cluster. MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER

[0028] The use of at least three server modules allows for highly available operation of the server cluster, because even if one server module fails completely, two server modules are still available, one of which can mirror the other server module, so that no data is lost even if another server module fails completely.

[0029] The use of server modules with at least one CPU and at least one GPU allows tasks that can be processed more energy-efficiently by a GPU than by a CPU to be assigned to the GPU, so that the server modules operate in a particularly energy-efficient manner.

[0030] The server modules, for example, each have a power consumption of at most 30 W to 90 W, preferably at most 45 W, in normal operation; and / or of at most 50 W to 130 W, preferably at most 65 W, under full load.

[0031] In comparison, a server in a conventional server cluster typically has a power consumption of at least 600 W during normal operation and at least 1,200 W under full load.

[0032] With the same number of servers, a server cluster according to the invention can thus have 90% to 95% lower energy consumption than a conventional server cluster, resulting in a correspondingly reduced waste heat.

[0033] The low heat output of the portable server cluster preferably allows for quiet or even virtually silent cooling of the server cluster.

[0034] The portable server cluster preferably emits so little waste heat that it can be operated in a normally ventilated office room without additional cooling.

[0035] Due to its low energy consumption, the portable server cluster can operate for an extended period using a conventional uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in the event of a power outage. For example, if the UPS is a MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER With a capacity of 1 kWh, the server cluster can be operated for 2.5 hours at an average power consumption of 400 W.

[0036] The small footprint and low energy consumption of the portable server cluster advantageously allow its use in aircraft, ships and land vehicles, especially trains, buses and trucks.

[0037] The small footprint and easy installation of the portable server cluster allow multiple portable server clusters, which together provide a virtual server environment, to be easily placed in different locations, for example in different fire compartments of a building, in order to increase the reliability of the virtual server environment. Description of the execution types

[0038] The server cluster preferably comprises a number of air ducts arranged within the housing for dissipating waste heat from the server modules, network modules, and / or power supply modules. The air ducts are preferably open to the environment surrounding the server cluster, allowing ambient air flowing through them to absorb the waste heat and dissipate it. The server cluster preferably includes a number of fans arranged within the housing to drive airflow through the air ducts.

[0039] Preferably, due to the low energy consumption of the portable server cluster, pure air cooling is sufficient to remove the waste heat from the server cluster, so that elaborate water cooling can be dispensed with.

[0040] The portable server cluster preferably comprises a number of mounting elements attached to an exterior surface of the housing for securing the housing in a server rack, for example, in a standard 19-inch server rack. The mounting elements include, for example, two mounting plates attached to opposite sides of the housing with brackets compatible with the server rack. MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER screw holes and / or each with a handle for holding the server cluster during installation in the server rack.

[0041] The mounting elements allow the portable server cluster to be easily attached to a server rack, thus integrating the server cluster advantageously into an existing IT infrastructure.

[0042] The portable server cluster preferably comprises at least one mass storage module, for example, at least one SSD, arranged within the housing and communicatively connected to the server modules via the switch modules. This mass storage module provides the server cluster with additional storage capacity beyond that of the server modules' own mass storage devices. Integrating the mass storage module into the housing allows the server cluster to be particularly compact, and the server modules can access the additional storage capacity very quickly.

[0043] The server modules preferably comprise at least four, and preferably six, server modules. With at least four server modules, for example, one of the server modules can be used as a firewall, while the remaining at least three server modules enable highly available operation of the server cluster. With at least six server modules, the server cluster can advantageously provide a virtual server environment with even higher fault tolerance or provide two highly available virtual server environments, each with at least three server modules. This allows the portable server cluster to be used in a particularly versatile manner, for example, for different fallback scenarios or for two independent organizational units or companies simultaneously.

[0044] The server modules are preferably connected to the switch modules and / or power supply modules via a number of detachable connectors and / or arranged to be removable from the housing. The use of connectors and the removable arrangement simplify the maintenance, upgrade, and modification of the server cluster. MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER In the removable arrangement, the server modules can, for example, each form a section of the housing, in particular by means of a front panel attached to each server module.

[0045] The network module preferably comprises a number of, preferably eight, cable connections for connecting a network cable of the computer network and / or a radio module for wireless connection to the computer network. The radio module can, for example, comprise a 5G module, an LTE module, and / or a STARLINK module. The radio module advantageously allows mobile use of the portable server cluster without additional hardware.

[0046] The switch modules preferably each provide a maximum data transfer rate of at least 2.5 Gbit / s, 10 Gbit / s, 20 Gbit / s, 40 Gbit / s, 100 Gbit / s, or 120 Gbit / s. With a sufficiently high transfer rate, the components of the portable server cluster can together provide a high-performance virtual server environment.

[0047] The power supply modules preferably provide a combined maximum power output of 300 W to 1400 W, preferably 500 W to 800 W. With a maximum power output within the specified range, the portable server cluster can provide a high-performance virtual server environment with low energy consumption, low heat generation, and low noise.

[0048] The mainboard of the server modules preferably comprises a number of slots, for example two, for variable configuration of the mainboard with RAM and / or mass storage, wherein the mass storage preferably comprises a number of NVM Express storage modules. This allows the server modules to be equipped with different amounts of RAM or mass storage depending on the intended use of the portable server cluster and, if necessary, to be reconfigured or upgraded. MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER

[0049] The server modules, for example, each have two storage modules, specifically NVM Express storage modules, each with a storage capacity of at least 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, or 8 TB. The server modules also have, for example, at least 32 GB to 96 GB of RAM, specifically in the form of DDR5 memory.

[0050] The portable server cluster preferably includes at least one remote module located within the housing and communicatively connected to the server modules via the switch modules. This remote module allows for the remote control of the server modules, particularly via the computer network outside the server cluster, in order to provide a virtual server environment. The integrated remote module enables particularly efficient remote control of the server modules without requiring additional hardware. The remote module includes, for example, a KVM adapter module for providing an interface for at least a keyboard, a mouse, and video output (here: KVM = Keyboard, Mouse, Video). The KVM adapter module includes, for example, a local USB, PS / 2, and / or RS-232 console. Advantageously, the KVM adapter module allows a USB-compatible target computer to connect to and manage the portable server cluster, for example, via the computer network.For example, the KVM adapter module can connect to the target computer via a single USB-C connector and preferably provide keyboard, video output, mouse, virtual media, and / or smart card / CAC reader functionality. The server modules can each have an integrated remote interface for remote control, particularly via the computer network outside the server cluster. In this case, the server cluster can be configured without a separate remote module.

[0051] The method according to the invention provides a virtual server environment with at least one portable server cluster according to the invention. The method can provide the virtual server environment with two or more portable server clusters according to the invention, which MCR01-P1430PC00 19.08.2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER are interconnected, particularly via the network modules of the server clusters. The two or more server clusters can be adjacent to each other, especially mechanically connected, or located apart, especially in different fire compartments of a building or in different buildings. Using two or more server clusters can increase the performance and / or reliability of the virtual server environment.

[0052] The process involves controlling the server modules of the server cluster via a hypervisor, making the CPUs, GPUs, RAM, and storage of the server modules usable within the virtual server environment. Integrating all of these server module resources into the virtual environment ensures optimal utilization of the server modules' performance. In particular, integrating the GPUs allows for exceptionally high computing power with low power consumption, and integrating the internal storage of the server modules enables significantly faster memory access compared to the typical use of a shared external storage device for multiple server modules. Overall, this results in a highly efficient operation of the portable server cluster.

[0053] The method preferably comprises combining the mass storage devices of the individual server modules of the server cluster into a single virtual mass storage device by the hypervisor, preferably using a ZFS (Zettabyte File System) file system. This advantageously results in a high-performance and fault-tolerant overall mass storage device.

[0054] The method preferably comprises mirroring one of the server modules onto another of the server modules using the hypervisor. In this way, a fault-tolerant virtual server environment is created. Preferably, only a difference at the lowest level is used for synchronization between the mirrored server module and the mirroring server module. MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER Transferred at the machine level to minimize data traffic between server modules.

[0055] The virtual server environment preferably comprises 5 to 10, and in particular 7, virtual server instances per server module. With seven virtual server instances per server module, for example, each server instance can have 8 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage from the server module, and the virtual server environment can comprise a total of 42 virtual server instances if the portable server cluster includes six server modules. A typical server cluster provides only 12 to 18 virtual server instances on average, so the portable server cluster can provide more than twice as many. This more than doubles the fault tolerance of the portable server cluster compared to a typical server cluster.

[0056] The hypervisor preferably includes an operating system kernel-based virtual machine (KVM).

[0057] The method preferably includes the creation of at least one virtual local area network (VLAN) by the hypervisor. A VLAN, and in particular multiple VLANs, allows for flexible optimization of the performance and security of communication within the virtual server environment.

[0058] The method preferably comprises the use of at least one of the server modules by the hypervisor to create a firewall, a virtual mass storage device, an email gateway, and / or a virtual telephone system, wherein the firewall may, in particular, include a router function. This allows the virtual server environment to provide the aforementioned functions particularly securely and efficiently without additional hardware. The aforementioned functions can be provided by one or more specific server modules dedicated to the respective function, or distributed across the server modules within the virtual server environment. MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER

[0059] The portable server cluster can include a number of wireless network access points (WLAN access points) connected to the server modules via the switch modules. This allows the server cluster to advantageously provide a wireless computer network, for example, within a company. The firewall created in this process advantageously manages the wireless network access points, thus ensuring secure operation of the computer network. Brief description of the drawings

[0060] Further advantages, objectives and features of the invention are explained with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which exemplary objects according to the invention are shown.

[0061] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a portable server cluster according to the invention.

[0062] Figure 2 shows a schematic exploded view of a portable server cluster according to the invention.

[0063] Figure 3 shows the server cluster from Figure 2 in an assembled state.

[0064] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the server cluster according to the invention without fastening elements.

[0065] Figure 5 shows the server cluster from Figure 2 in a partially assembled state. Fig. 1

[0066] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a portable server cluster 100 according to the invention. The server cluster 100 comprises, for example, three server modules 110 arranged in a common housing 120, each of the server modules 110 comprising a CPU 111, a GPU 112, a main memory 113, a mass storage device 114 and a network interface 115, which are mounted on a common mainboard. MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER 116 are arranged and are communicatively connected to each other via the mainboard 116.

[0067] The server cluster 100 includes, for example, a network module 130 arranged in the housing 120 for communicative connection of the server cluster 100 with a computer network outside the server cluster 100.

[0068] The server cluster 100 comprises, for example, two mutually redundant switch modules 140 arranged in the housing 120, each of which connects the server modules 110 to each other and to the network module 130, particularly via their network ports 115. The communicative connection, for example via cables within the housing 120, is shown in Figure 1 by solid connection lines.

[0069] The server cluster 100, for example, comprises two redundant power supply modules 150 arranged in the housing, each supplying power to the server modules 110 and the switch modules 140. For the sake of clarity, the necessary cables are not shown in Figure 1.

[0070] The server cluster 100 includes, for example, two air ducts 160 arranged in the housing 120, in particular between the server modules 110, for the removal of waste heat from the server modules 110.

[0071] The server cluster 100 comprises, for example, two fastening elements 121 attached to an outside of the housing 120, in particular to opposite sides of the housing 120, for fastening the housing 120 in a server rack.

[0072] The server cluster 100 includes, for example, a mass storage module 170 arranged in the housing 120 and communicatively connected to the server modules 110 via the switch modules 140.

[0073] The server cluster 100, for example, includes a remote module 180 arranged in the housing 120 and connected to the server modules 110 via the switch modules 140 for remote control of the MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER Server modules 110 are used to provide a virtual server environment. Fig. 2

[0074] Figure 2 shows a schematic exploded view of a portable server cluster 100 according to the invention.

[0075] The illustrated server cluster 100 comprises, for example, six server modules 110 (only one of which is labelled as an example), the details of which are not shown in Figure 2 for the sake of clarity, an air duct 160, two switch modules 140 and two power supply modules 150, all of which are arranged in a common housing 120.

[0076] The housing 120, for example, is cuboid in shape with an open front and an open back opposite the front. The back is closed, for example, by a number of backplates 125. For example, one backplate 125 can be attached to each power supply module 150, so that the power supply modules 150, together with their corresponding backplate 125, can each be individually removed from the housing 120. Another backplate 125 can, for example, be attached directly to the housing 120.

[0077] The front, for example, is closed by six front panels 124, each attached to one of the server modules 110. Therefore, the server modules 110, together with their corresponding front panels 124, can each be individually removed from the housing 120.

[0078] The portable server cluster 120, for example, comprises two mounting elements 121, in particular in the form of mounting plates, which are attached, for example, laterally next to the front of the housing 120, flush with the front of the housing 120. The mounting elements 121 each include, for example, a handle 123 for carrying the server cluster 120 and a number of screw holes 122 (only one labeled for illustrative purposes) for mounting the server cluster 120 in a server rack (not shown). MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER Fig. 3

[0079] Figure 3 shows the server cluster 100 from Figure 2 in an assembled state as a schematic oblique view (Fig. 3A), a schematic front view (Fig. SB), a schematic side view (Fig. 3C), and a schematic top view (Fig. 3D). Figures 3B and 3C show exemplary dimensions of the server cluster 100 in millimeters. Fig. 4

[0080] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the portable server cluster 100 according to the invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 4 differs from the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 in that it does not have any fastening elements for fastening the server cluster 100 in a server rack.

[0081] Figure 4 shows the server cluster 100 as a schematic oblique view (Fig. 4A), a schematic front view (Fig. 4B), and a schematic side view (Fig. 4C). Figures 4B and 4C show exemplary dimensions of the server cluster 100 in millimeters. Fig. 5

[0082] Figure 5 shows the server cluster 100 from Figure 2 in a partially assembled state as a schematic oblique view. In this partially assembled state, a server module 110 with the attached front panel 124 and a power supply module with the attached rear panel 125 have been removed from the housing 120. List of reference symbols

[0083] 100 Portable Server Cluster 122 Screw Hole 110 Server module 123 Handle 111 CPU 124 Front panel MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER 112 GPU 125 Flashback 113 RAM 130 Network module 114 Mass storage 140 Switch module 115 Network module 150 Power supply module 116 Mainboard 160 Air duct 120 Enclosures 170 Mass storage module 121 Mounting element 180 Remote module

Claims

MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER Claims 1. Portable server cluster (100) comprising at least the following components arranged in a common enclosure (120): a. at least three server modules (110), each of which comprises at least one CPU (111), at least one GPU (112), at least one main memory (113), at least one mass storage device (114), and at least one network port (115), arranged on a common mainboard (116) and communicatively interconnected via the mainboard (116); b. at least one network module (130) for communicatively connecting the server cluster (100) to a computer network outside the server cluster (100); c. at least two mutually redundant switch modules (140), each communicatively connecting the server modules (110) to each other and to the network module (130); and d. at least two mutually redundant power supply modules (150), each supplying power to the server modules (110) and the switch modules (140).

2. Portable server cluster (100) according to claim 1, wherein the server cluster (100) comprises a number of air channels (160) arranged in the housing (120) for dissipating waste heat from the server modules (110), the network modules (130) and / or the power supply modules (150).

3. Portable server cluster (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the server cluster (100) comprises a number of fastening elements (121) attached to an outside of the housing (120) for fastening the housing (120) in a server rack.

4. Portable server cluster (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the server cluster (100) comprises a server arranged in the housing (120) and MCR01-P1430PC00 19.08.2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER includes a mass storage module (170) that communicates with the server modules (110) via the switch modules (140).

5. Portable server cluster (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the server modules (110) comprise at least four, preferably six, server modules (110).

6. Portable server cluster (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the server modules (110) are detachably connected to the switch modules (140) and / or to the power supply modules (150) via a number of connectors and / or are arranged to be removable from the housing (120).

7. Portable server cluster (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the network module (130) comprises a number of, preferably eight, cable connections for connecting a network cable of the computer network and / or a radio module for wireless connection to the computer network.

8. Portable server cluster (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the switch modules (140) each provide a maximum data transfer rate of at least 2.5 Gbit / s, preferably at least 10 Gbit / s.

9. Portable server cluster (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power supply modules (150) together provide a maximum power of 300 W to 1400 W, preferably 500 W to 800 W.

10. Portable server cluster (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mainboard (116) of the server modules (110) each has a number of, for example two, slots for variably equipping the mainboard (116) with the main memory (113) and / or with the mass storage (114), wherein the mass storage (114) preferably comprises a number of NVM Express storage modules. MCR01-P1430PC00 08 / 19 / 2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER 11. Portable server cluster (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the server cluster (100) comprises at least one remote module (180) arranged in the housing (120) and communicatively connected to the server modules (110) via the switch modules (140) for remote control of the server modules (110) in order to provide a virtual server environment with the server modules (110).

12. A method providing a virtual server environment with a portable server cluster (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method comprises controlling the server modules (110) of the server cluster (100) by a hypervisor, such that the CPUs (111), the GPUs (112), the main memory (113) and the mass storage (114) of the server modules (110) are usable in the virtual server environment.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the method comprises combining the mass storage devices (114) of the individual server modules (110) of the server cluster (110) by the hypervisor into a virtual total mass storage device, preferably with a ZFS file system.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the method comprises mirroring one of the server modules (110) on another of the server modules (110) by the hypervisor.

15. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a. the virtual server environment comprises 5 to 10 virtual server instances per server module (110); b. the hypervisor comprises an operating system kernel-based virtual machine; c. the method comprises the hypervisor creating at least one virtual local area network; and / or d. the method comprises the hypervisor using at least one of the server modules (110) to create a firewall of a 21 MCR01-P1430PC00 19.08.2025 PREUSCHE & PARTNER includes virtual mass storage, an email gateway and / or a virtual telephone system.

Images