Integrated Switch Service Processor Module for Modular Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density computer systems require enhanced reliability and fault tolerance, particularly in telecommunications applications, where existing solutions often rely on redundant components and complex software management, leading to increased complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A combined switch and service processor module that integrates switch and service processor functions with a data interface for management information synchronization, enabling peer-to-peer configuration, fault management, and reduced hardware requirements, thereby simplifying system management and improving fault reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant components and complex software management are used to achieve high reliability and fault tolerance, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines switch and service processor functions into a single integrated module, eliminating the need for separate redundant service processor units. The switch portion and service processor portion share common hardware resources while maintaining functional independence, thereby reducing overall system complexity and component count while preserving reliability through software-based fault tolerance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module performs multiple functions within a single unit: data switching, service processing, management information synchronization, and fault management. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated redundant components for each function, reducing device complexity while maintaining high reliability through coordinated operation of unified management logic.
2Reliability
If redundant components are used to achieve fault tolerance, then fault tolerance is improved, but hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging switch and service processor functions into one integrated module, the patent eliminates redundant hardware components such as separate service processor units and their associated interfaces. The single integrated design reduces hardware material costs while maintaining fault tolerance through software-controlled redundancy and automated synchronization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The service processor portion automatically synchronizes management information with peer service processors through data interfaces, creating virtual copies of configuration data without requiring physical hardware duplication. This software-based copying approach provides fault tolerance without the cost of redundant physical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate switch and service processor units are used, then functional independence is improved, but system management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates switch and service processor functions within a single module while maintaining logical functional independence through separate processing portions. This unified physical structure with logical separation simplifies system management by reducing the number of independent devices to configure and monitor, while preserving the adaptability benefits of functional independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The service processor portion automatically synchronizes management information with peer service processors through automated feedback mechanisms. This continuous synchronization eliminates manual configuration complexity while maintaining functional independence, as the system self-regulates through automated information exchange rather than requiring complex manual management.
4Reliability
If comprehensive authentication and security features are provided in switch software, then security is improved, but device complexity and hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service processor portion acts as an intermediary that handles authentication and security functions centrally. Rather than embedding security features throughout the switch software, the service processor mediates all security-related operations, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive security through a dedicated security management layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The service processor portion provides multiple functions including authentication, encryption, and security policy enforcement within a single integrated unit. This universal security management approach reduces device complexity by consolidating security features rather than distributing them across multiple components, while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A combined switch and service processor module for a modular computer system is provided. The combined switch and service processor module comprises a switch portion; a service processor portion; and a data interface for communicating management information to other parts of the modular computer system. Wherein the service processor portion is operable to operate in master/slave relationship with a service processor portion of a further combined switch and service processor module of the modular computer system; and wherein the service processor portion is further operable automatically to synchronise management information with the service processor portion of the further combined switch and service processor via the data interface in accordance with the master/slave relationship.