KVM Switch Control via Communication Medium Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing KVM extension systems face security issues and inefficiencies when a local device needs to communicate with a KVM matrix switch without inserting data into the high-speed communication medium or using separate data paths, particularly in secure environments.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that uses a transmitter to toggle On/Off signals with a consistent pulse width to interrupt the communication medium, allowing a local device to select a remote device without altering the high-speed data path, and an I/O device detects this pattern to facilitate secure switching between remote devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate data connection (Ethernet, serial, USB) is used between the local device and KVM matrix switch, then control communication is enabled, but device complexity and security issues increase due to additional cables and interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control communication function with the existing high-speed data path by encoding control commands within the data stream itself. The local device embeds control commands in the data being transmitted to the remote device, and the KVM matrix switch extracts and processes these commands. This eliminates the need for separate control connections, reducing cable and interface complexity while maintaining full control communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-speed communication medium serves dual purposes: it simultaneously carries both control commands and data traffic. The system enables the data path to perform multiple functions - normal data transmission and control signal conveyance - by encoding control information within the data stream using specific protocols and markers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated control channels.
2Ease of operation
If the local device communicates with the KVM matrix switch via Internet connection through a switch configuration CPU, then control is enabled, but security issues arise from Internet exposure and additional CPU requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control communication function from external networks (Internet) and implements it directly within the closed KVM system. By embedding control commands in the local data stream to remote devices, the system eliminates dependence on external network infrastructure for control purposes. This extraction removes security vulnerabilities associated with Internet exposure while maintaining full remote control capability through the secure internal data path.
3Ease of operation
If control commands are inserted into the high-speed data path, then control communication is achieved, but data integrity and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by encoding control commands with distinct characteristics that differ from normal data traffic. Control commands are marked with specific protocols, markers, or formatting that allow the KVM matrix switch to easily distinguish and extract them without affecting the integrity of regular data transmission. This localized differentiation ensures control signals can be transmitted reliably while maintaining data path security and integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism - a protocol layer or marker system - that mediates between control commands and data transmission. This intermediary structure allows control information to be embedded within the data stream while maintaining clear separation and identification. The KVM matrix switch uses this intermediary layer to extract control commands without interfering with the integrity of the underlying data path.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes: a transmitter configured to be responsive to a control request from a local device that facilitates toggling of the transmitter On and Off in a pattern of interruption to generate multiple consecutive On/Off bits having On/Off signals with a same pulse width that represents control information, the transmitter configured to transmit data via a communication medium at a first end thereof, the communication medium also having a second end; and, in response to the pattern of interruption, the transmitter is configured to interrupt the communication medium at the first end, each interrupting of the communication medium at the first end resulting in a detection of a loss of signal at the second end.