Intelligent Network Peripheral Recording for Server Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for remotely monitoring and managing server computers lack the capability to record and playback user interactions with non-active servers, limiting diagnostic and reference purposes.
Innovation Solution
Intelligent Network Peripherals, such as KVM switches and Rack Connection Managers, are augmented with recording and playback functionality, enabling the capture and replay of video and user input signals from remote servers, including non-active servers, using integrated processors and storage solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Intelligent Network Peripherals are augmented with recording and playback functionality, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines recording, playback, and diagnostic functions into the existing Intelligent Network Peripheral device. The recording module integrates with the video processing logic and supervisory processor already present in the RCM, merging multiple functions into a unified system rather than adding separate standalone recording equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The Intelligent Network Peripheral is enhanced to serve multiple purposes: it continues to function as a KVM switch and Rack Connection Manager while simultaneously providing recording, playback, and diagnostic capabilities. The system can record video from active and non-active servers, playback recorded sessions, and perform diagnostics, making the device universally applicable for multiple administrative tasks.
2Reliability
If recording capability is added to capture interactions with non-active servers, then troubleshooting capability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary recording of server interactions automatically as they occur, capturing video and user input data in real-time without requiring post-event investigation. By recording sessions while they are happening, the system prepares diagnostic information in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual review of server logs or recreation of problematic scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of server sessions through video recording and data capture. These copies can be stored and replayed later, allowing administrators to review problematic interactions without needing to access the original live system or recreate the conditions that caused the issue.
Data Source
AI summary
An Intelligent Network Peripheral (INP) is equipped with a recording control processor that is connected to at least one internal or external recording device (e.g., hard drive, disk array, CD-recorder, DVD recorder, and/or tape device). Using the INP, a user may be prompted to perform an activity, such as (1) start a new recording session, (2) playback a recorded session, (3) delete a recorded session, (4) edit recording parameters (e.g., the number of stored frames, the length of a session to record, the resolution of the image to record), and (5) re-run a recorded session. An INP may be incorporated into a Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) switch, a Rack Connection Manager (RCM) and/or a Pod Extension Module (PEM) for recording at least one of video from and user input to a computer for diagnostic and other purposes.