Shared KVM Switch for Headless Servers via Serial Video Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in efficiently utilizing limited physical space due to the need for KVM functionality in headless servers without integrated video controllers, which requires additional hardware and increases density and cost.
Innovation Solution
A shared KVM switch system that uses USB and serial connections to provide KVM functionality to multiple headless servers, utilizing a microcontroller and video output port to share a single monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and determine the pre-boot or post-boot environment of each server to generate appropriate video outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an integrated video controller is added to each server to provide KVM functionality, then video functionality is improved, but device complexity and physical space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple headless servers share a single external KVM device through the switch system. The patent combines the video controller, keyboard, and mouse functions into one external device that can be shared across multiple servers, eliminating the need for each server to have its own integrated video controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The external KVM device serves multiple functions and multiple servers simultaneously. A single KVM unit can connect to and control any of the plurality of headless servers through the switch, providing universal access rather than dedicated per-server functionality.
2Ease of operation
If an integrated video controller is added to each server, then direct console access is improved, but physical space in data centers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the KVM functionality from multiple servers into a single external device. Instead of each server occupying space with its own video controller, one shared KVM device serves all servers, dramatically reducing the total physical space required in the data center.
Solution Approach 2:
The video controller functionality is extracted from the server internal architecture and placed in an external shared device. This extraction allows servers to be headless (without integrated video controllers) while still providing access functionality through the external KVM switch system.
3Area of stationary object
If a shared KVM switch system is implemented, then physical space efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The KVM switch system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the switch itself, the external KVM device, and the connection interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture despite providing complex shared functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a switch and nodes coupled to the switch. Each node does not include an integrated video controller and transmits data to the switch via a USB and a serial connection. The switch comprises a controller which stores video output generated based on data received via serial connections. The controller: receives a user selection for a first node; transmits the user selection to a first multiplexer; retrieves a first video output generated based on data received via the corresponding serial connection; and transmits the first video output to a second multiplexer. The first multiplexer transmits USB data received from the first node to the second multiplexer. If the first node is in a pre-boot environment, the second multiplexer selects the first video output for transmission. If the first node is in a post-boot environment, the second multiplexer selects the data received from the first node for transmission.