Universal Computer Management Interface Consolidating KVM Serial and Network Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing out-of-band (OOB) computer management systems require multiple hardware interfaces and extensive cabling, leading to complex infrastructure and high costs, as they need to manage various connections such as network, serial, and KVM, making it inefficient and time-consuming for administrators to monitor and manage large numbers of computers.
Innovation Solution
A Universal Computer Management Interface device that integrates keyboard/video/mouse, serial, and network management ports onto a single administrative network port, using an internal processor for data exchange and automation, with Ethernet packet forwarding functionality and low power consumption, allowing for daisy-chaining and redundant connections, reducing the need for multiple equipment types and cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate management interfaces (network, serial, KVM) are used for computer management, then comprehensive management capability is achieved, but device complexity and cabling requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines network port, serial port, and KVM port functionalities into a single integrated management interface device. This consolidation allows administrators to access and manage computer resources (video output, keyboard input, mouse input, serial communication) through one unified device instead of requiring separate physical connections and equipment for each interface type, thereby reducing infrastructure complexity while preserving comprehensive management capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated management interface is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can handle network communication, serial port communication, and KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) control all through a single device connection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated equipment for each management task, reducing the overall complexity of the management infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hardware interfaces and extensive cabling are deployed for OOB management, then all management functions are accessible, but the cost and space requirements increase enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple management interface connections (network, serial, KVM) into a single integrated device that can be accessed through one management port. This consolidation dramatically reduces the quantity of cables and hardware equipment needed compared to deploying separate physical interfaces for each management function, while still providing access to all management capabilities
3Reliability
If separate management interfaces are used for different management tasks, then specialized functionality is achieved, but the time and effort required to monitor and manage computers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated management interface provides universal access to multiple management functions (network management, serial port management, KVM control) through a single unified device. Administrators can perform diverse management tasks through one interface rather than switching between multiple separate systems, significantly reducing the time and effort required to monitor and manage computers while maintaining specialized functionality for each management task
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated computer management apparatus allowing a networked administrator to manage a computer via multiple connection types and protocols. A preferred embodiment of the device has a network connection for the administrative users, coupled via an internal Ethernet switch and a processor to keyboard-video-mouse, serial, and Ethernet computer connections. Depending on hardware characteristics, operational status, OS, and administrator preferences any of these may be used to provide remote computer system management functions. Software running on the processor can provide direct logical connection between the remote administrator and a management port; may serve web pages graphically interpreting data gleaned from one or more of the connections; can provide protocol translation or proxy services; or locally execute an intelligent management agent. The device can be physically small enough to be supported by its connecting cables, and receives power from the attached computer.