USB Type-C Bypass for Out-of-Band Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems that do not support vPro or other wired out-of-band management through Thunderbolt connectors face challenges in maintaining connectivity and bandwidth for remote management, especially when Thunderbolt is inoperable or insufficient for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A docking station with a USB Type C connector enables wired out-of-band management by establishing a bypass connection for a designated MCTP data bus between the host information handling system and a non-Thunderbolt wired out-of-band management communicator device, allowing for vPro connectivity without relying on Thunderbolt, using multiplexers to route MCTP data around the Thunderbolt controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Thunderbolt connector is used for wired out-of-band management, then connectivity and bandwidth are improved, but system compatibility and cost are worsened when Thunderbolt is inoperable or insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bypass connection as an intermediary path that routes MCTP data bus traffic around the Thunderbolt controller through multiplexers. This mediator allows out-of-band management traffic to flow through alternative channels (such as USB Type-C or other available interfaces) when Thunderbolt is unavailable, thereby maintaining system compatibility without sacrificing connectivity reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between Thunderbolt-based management and alternative management paths based on availability. The bypass connection is activated conditionally when Thunderbolt is inoperable or insufficient, allowing the system to adapt its management architecture in real-time to maintain compatibility across different operational states
2Power
If Thunderbolt controller is used for out-of-band management, then bandwidth is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the out-of-band management functionality from exclusive dependency on the Thunderbolt controller by creating a separate bypass path. This separation allows management traffic to be routed independently of the Thunderbolt controller, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining necessary bandwidth through multiplexer-based routing
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass connection provides multi-functionality by serving as an alternative management path that can handle MCTP traffic through various interfaces (USB Type-C, other available connectors). This universal approach allows a single bypass infrastructure to support multiple communication protocols and interfaces, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining bandwidth capabilities
3Adaptability or versatility
If bypass connection is established for MCTP data bus, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiplexer routing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data bus routing into distinct paths: the primary Thunderbolt path and the alternative bypass path. Multiplexers are used to segment traffic routing decisions, directing MCTP data bus traffic to appropriate paths based on Thunderbolt availability. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path while managing complexity through modular routing control
Data Source
AI summary
A method and information handling system including a first universal serial bus (USB) type C port for transceiving SMBus data multiplexed over unused USB-2 pins from a host information handling system, a first multiplexer for demultiplexing the SMBus as a designated data bus to a second multiplexer to create a designated bus for management controller transport protocol data, the second multiplexer re-multiplexing the SMBus designated bus to a second USB type C port for connection with an out-of-band management hardware system network interface card of a device connected to the second USB type C port for communication of management controller transport protocol data with the information handling system host and bypassing a docking station high capacity connector multiplex controller, and an embedded controller for activating the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer upon detecting the connection with the out-of-band management hardware system network interface card via the second USB type C port and establishing the designated data bus for management controller transport protocol data bypass connection.