ATCA KVM Transmission via BASE Channel Bandwidth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transmitting KVM data in ATCA architecture face issues with insufficient bandwidth, leading to image distortion and keyboard/mouse operation delays when using the IPMB channel, and poor compatibility when using the customized FE channel.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that convert KVM data into KVM packets and transmit them through the BASE interface, utilizing a switch chip with one or two BASE network ports to ensure sufficient bandwidth and compatibility with existing ATCA systems, with the BASE channel providing 1000 Mbps bandwidth after proper compression, and the switch chip replacing an original BASE network port without modifying the backplane interface definition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the IPMB channel is used to transmit KVM data, then the transmission path is available, but the bandwidth is insufficient (maximum 800 Kbps) causing image distortion and operation delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission availabilityVSAvoidtransmission bandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a BASE channel as an intermediary transmission path between the service board and switch board, replacing the insufficient IPMB channel. The BASE channel provides 1000 Mbps bandwidth, acting as a mediator that resolves the bandwidth bottleneck while maintaining the existing system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameter from IPMB channel (800 Kbps maximum) to BASE channel (1000 Mbps), fundamentally altering the bandwidth parameter to resolve the contradiction between transmission availability and transmission speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the customized FE channel is used to increase bandwidth, then the transmission capacity is sufficient, but the compatibility with existing ATCA systems is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission bandwidthVSAvoidsystem compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the BASE channel, which is a standard interface in ATCA systems with dual-star structure, for KVM data transmission. This universal interface already exists in the system for other purposes, allowing multi-functionality without requiring custom FE channel modifications, thus maintaining compatibility while providing sufficient bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If video data is substantially compressed to fit the IPMB bandwidth, then the transmission is possible, but the video quality and refresh rate are greatly affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission feasibilityVSAvoidvideo quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the transmission bandwidth parameter from 800 Kbps (IPMB) to 1000 Mbps (BASE), eliminating the need for substantial compression. This parameter change allows video data to be transmitted with minimal compression, preserving video quality and refresh rate while maintaining transmission feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2557736B1Method, service board and system for transmitting keyboard, video, mouse data
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2557736B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2557736B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2557736B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of communications technologies, and disclose a method, a service board and a system for transmitting keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) data, which can not only provide a channel with a sufficient bandwidth for the KVM data, but also guarantee compatibility with an existing ATCA system. The method according to the present invention includes: converting, by a service board, KVM data into a KVM packet; sending the KVM packet to a switch board through a BASE channel, so that the switch board forwards the KVM packet to a remote console. The embodiments of the present invention are mainly applied to a process for implementing KVM data transmission based on ATCA architecture.