Integrated KVM Switch with Ethernet Hub for Over-IP Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional KVM switches require separate network hubs and cables, leading to increased costs, space occupation, and complexity in managing and configuring cables, especially when supporting over-IP processes.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a network hub into the KVM switch, along with an Ethernet controller and hub, to facilitate over-IP data transmission and simplify cable management by combining Ethernet and keyboard/video/mouse signals into a single cable, reducing the need for separate components and cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate network hub and KVM switch are used, then networking and KVM functions are achieved, but hardware cost increases and space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetworking and KVM functionalityVSAvoidhardware components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the network hub functionality directly into the KVM switch by incorporating an Ethernet hub and Ethernet controller within the KVM switch body. This merging eliminates the need for separate network hub and KVM switch devices, reducing hardware component quantity while maintaining both networking and KVM functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The KVM switch is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides KVM switching capabilities through the switch device and network connectivity through the integrated Ethernet hub and controller. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate Ethernet cables and KVM cables are used, then networking and KVM connections are established, but cable management becomes difficult and space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork and KVM connectivityVSAvoidcable management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines Ethernet cables and KVM cables into a single integrated cable assembly that carries both network and KVM signals. This merging simplifies cable management by reducing the number of separate cables from multiple to one, making installation and maintenance easier while maintaining both networking and KVM connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used, then functional requirements are met, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetworking and KVM capabilitiesVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the Ethernet hub and Ethernet controller into the KVM switch, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, purchased, and assembled. This consolidation lowers hardware costs by eliminating redundant components and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7586935B2KVM switch with an integrated network hub

Publication Date: 2009.09.08 ATEN INTERNATIONAL CO LTD

AI summary

A Keyboard-Video-Mouse (KVM) switch is provided for a set of user interface devices to share a plurality of computers. The Keyboard-Video-Mouse (KVM) switch comprises a network port, a second interface, at least one first interface, a switch device and an Ethernet hub. The network port is arranged to connect to a network. The second interface is arranged to connect the set of user interface devices. The first interface is arranged to connect the computers, and the first interface has a port for connecting a network interface of the computers. The switch device is arranged to route paths between the second interface and the first interface. The Ethernet hub is arranged to connect the network port and the port of the first interface.