Primary IP KVM Signal Aggregation for Multi-Display Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internet protocol (IP) keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) devices typically support a limited number of inputs/outputs due to cost-optimized ASIC design, restricting them to a single display input or a finite number of display inputs.
Innovation Solution
A primary IP KVM device is coupled with a plurality of secondary IP KVM devices to aggregate KVM signals, allowing the primary device to appear as supporting multiple USB and display connections, thereby overcoming the input/output limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cost-optimized ASIC design is used for IP KVM devices, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the number of supported inputs/outputs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the KVM functionality into a primary IP KVM device and multiple secondary IP KVM devices. Each device maintains its own cost-optimized ASIC design with limited I/O capabilities, but together they aggregate to provide extensive connectivity. The primary device segments the aggregation function while secondary devices segment the display/USB connection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple secondary IP KVM devices are merged with the primary IP KVM device through network connections. The primary device combines (aggregates) the KVM signals from multiple secondary devices, creating a unified system that appears to support many more inputs/outputs than any single device could provide individually.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated network connections are provided for each secondary IP KVM device, then signal aggregation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The primary IP KVM device uses a single network connection that serves multiple functions: it receives aggregated KVM signals from multiple secondary devices, manages device discovery, and handles configuration. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated separate network connections for each secondary device.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary IP KVM device acts as an intermediary that mediates between multiple secondary devices and the external network. It consolidates multiple signal streams into a single network connection, effectively mediating the complexity so that secondary devices don't need individual network interfaces for aggregation.
Data Source
AI summary
One example of an IP KVM device includes a USB port, a display port, a communication port, a network port, and a processor communicatively coupled to the USB port, display port, communication port, and network port. The USB port may be communicatively coupled to a host device to receive first USB signals from the host device. The display port may be communicatively coupled to the host device to receive first display signals from the host device. The communication port may be communicatively coupled to a secondary IP KVM device to receive second USB signals from the host device and second display signals from the host device. The network port may be communicatively coupled to a network. The processor is to aggregate the first and second USB signals and the first and second display signals and output the aggregated USB signals and display signals via the network port.