as United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2002/0188718 Al
`McGrawetal. Dec. 12, 2002 (43) Pub. Date:
`
`
`
`US 20020188718A1
`
`(54) CONSOLE INFORMATION STORAGE
`SYSTEM AND METHOD
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Montgomery C. McGraw, Spring, TX
`(US); Ramkrishna V. Prakash,
`Houston, TX (US); David P. Sharp,
`Houston, TX (US); Lazaro D. Perez,
`Houston, TX (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`Baker Botts L.L.P.
`Suite 600
`2001 Ross Ave.
`Dallas, TX 75201-2980 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: RLX Technologies, Inc.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/039,051
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 31, 2001
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/288,614,filed on May
`4, 2001.
`
`Publication Classification
`(SL) Unt, C17 acccccscscscssscscresneneescee GO6F 15/173
`(52) US. Che cvecsssssssssssssstststntstntststntstete 709/224
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A system and method for storing console information
`includes a first computing device havinga first console and
`a first console interface operable to transmit first console
`information associated with the first console. A second
`
`computing device is coupled for communication with the
`first computing device. The second computing device may
`include a memory module operable to receive the first
`console information.
`In a particular embodiment,
`the
`memory module may be operable to store the first console
`information.
`
`
`
`CONSOLE
`SERVER
`x
`
`CHASSIS
`
`
`INTER—-CHASSIS
`RS. 485
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CHASSIS
`
`CHASSIS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`LINK BOARD
`
`
`
`Google Exhibit 1022
`Google v. VirtaMove
`
`Google Exhibit 1022
`Google v. VirtaMove
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 12,2002 Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 2002/0188718 Al
`
`
`
`
`
`
`32
`
`59
`
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`
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`=a
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`50
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`73
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`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 12, 2002 Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 2002/0188718 Al
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`FIG. 2
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 12,2002 Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 2002/0188718 Al
`
`190
`
`‘
`
`
`
`154
`152
`-
`\.
`\
`ADDRESS (8b) i FUNCTION (8b) i DATA (N)
`FIG. 3
`
`156
`
`158
`
`+
`[CHECKSUM (16b)
`
`160
`162
`164.
`166
`168
`169
`esFefeffa
`
`7
`
`0
`
`7
`
`0
`
`FIG. 4
`
`
`
`FIG. §_InteR-cnassis
`RS~485
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S| MANAGEMENT BOARD SLOT 2|BACKUP CSSLOT 4
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CPU
`
`FIG. 6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 12,2002 Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 2002/0188718 Al
`
`CONSOLE
`SERVER
`wo
`
`CHASSIS
`
`
`
`JINTER-CHASSIS
`RS-485
`
`LINK BOARD
`
`
`
`
`
`LINK BOARD
`
`CHASSIS
`
`CHASSIS
`
`y
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 12,2002 Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 2002/0188718 Al
`
`
`
`7
`
`6
`
`5
`
`4
`
`3
`
`2
`
`90
`
`FIG. 8|cwo|score|wuiti-evie TASKS|200
`
`
`
`|coofo|THIS IMPLIES IT IS A COMMAND MESSAGE
`
`
`
`FIELDS
`
`VALUE
`
`FUNCTION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`0:
`
`IT IS A CHASSIS LOCAL MESSAGE
`
`1:
`
`IT IS AN INTER CHASSIS MESSAGE
`
`NOTE: WHEN THE SCOPE IS DEFINED AS LOCAL
`ONLY THE SLOT ID FIELD IS PRESENTED IN THE
`<Slot—Identifier>. ON THE OTHER HAND WHEN THE
`SCOPE IS DEFINED AS INTER CHASSIS BOTH THE
`SLOT ID AND CHASSIS ID FIELDS ARE PRESENTED
`IN THE <Slot—-Identifier>
`
`
`
`0: NO DATA BYTES FOLLOWING
`
`SCOPE
`
`0 OR |
`
`MULT]—-BYTE
`
`
`
`
`
`eeeee peersone
`aousa)
`sn[ones
`
`
`
`TASKS|OOH-O7H : RECEIVE COMMAND ~ 999
`
`
`
`01: TRANSMIT COMMAND ~_ 999
`02:
`IDENTIFY COMMAND ~. 994
`
`
`Q3: STATUS COMMAND ~~ 996
`04: Re_sync -~ 228
`
`
`05: set 290
`
`
`06: GET 282
`
`
`
`
`:
`IDENTIFY CHASSIS COMMAND —~ 254
`FIG. 9
`
`
`
`
`| Score Towel Sao |
`
`RSVD Tro TaTcRUARk|
`
`
`FNC NOT
`
`DATA
`
`
`
`
`FIG.
`
`10A
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 12, 2002 Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 2002/0188718 Al
`
`FIG. 10B
`
`THIS IMPLIES IT IS AN ACKNOWLEDGE MESSAGE
`1
`ACK
`
`
`SCOPE
`
`0 OR 1
`
`0:
`1:
`
`IT IS A CHASSIS LOCAL MESSAGE
`IT IS AN INTER CHASSIS MESSAGE
`
`NOTE: WHEN THE SCOPE IS DEFINED AS LOCAL
`ONLY THE SLOT ID FIELD IN THE PRESENTED IN
`THE <Slot~Identifier>. ON THE OTHER HAND
`WHEN THE SCOPE IS DEFINED AS INTER
`CHASSIS BOTH THE SLOT ID AND CHASSIS ID
`FIELDS ARE PRESENTED IN THE <Slot-Identifier>
`
`IT IS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`*SLAVE BLADES NEED NOT SET THIS FIELD.
`INTENDED TO BE ADDED BY INTER-CHASSIS
`COMMUNICATION BOARD ALONG WITH THE
`CHASSIS ID AND SLOT ID
`
`MULTI-BYTE| 0 OR 1—_[0: NO DATA BYTES FOLLOWING
`1: DATA BYTES FOLLOWING
`
`EXTEND |0 OR 1—|0: IMPLIES ACK FIELD IS ONLY 1 BYTE
`
`ACK
`1:
`IMPLIES ACK FIELD IS 2 BYTES
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`UNASSIGNED|RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE
`
`0: NO ERROR IN PREVIOUS COMMAND
`1: ERROR IN PREVIOUS COMMAND
`
`WATERMARK|0 OR 1 0: DATA IS LESS THAN 3/4 SIZE OF AVAILABLE BUFFER
`1: DATA IS LESS THAN 3/4 SIZE OF AVAILABLE BUFFER
`0: NO DATA AVAILABLE FOR TRANSFER
`1: DATA AVAILABLE FOR TRANSFER
`
`ERROR
`
`0 OR 1
`
`DATA
`
`0 OR 1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 10C
`
`RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE
`
`RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`oor)Enea
`
`1: DATA IN BUFFER HAS BEEN OVERRUN
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FNC NOT|0 OR 1 0: THE FUNCTION REQUESTED WAS O.K.
`
`SUPPORTED
`1: THE FUNCTION REQUESTED IS NOT SUPPORTED
`ON THE BLADE
`
`NACK|0 OR 1 0: THE BLADE CAN RESPOND TO MASTER'S REQUEST
`1; THE BLADE NOTIFIES THE MASTER TO REQUEST
`AT A LATER TIME AS THE BLADE IS BUSY
`0: CPU NOT FUNCTIONAL (SLEEP)
`1: CPU FUNCTIONAL
`
`

`

`US 2002/0188718 Al
`
`Dec. 12, 2002
`
`CONSOLE INFORMATION STORAGE SYSTEM
`AND METHOD
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`{0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
`application Ser. No. 60/288,614 filed May 4, 2001.
`
`[0002] This application is filed concurrently with the fol-
`lowing commonly owned patent application entitled Con-
`sole Information Server System and Method (Attorney’s
`Docket 067856.0235).
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] The present invention relates generally to server
`chassis communication systems and, more particularly, to a
`console information storage system and method.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0004] Computing devices typically include a console that
`is used to control the computing device manually, correct
`errors, manually revise the contents of storage, and provide
`communications in other ways between an operator and the
`central processing unit and/or operating system. Console
`interfaces provoke an interface between the console of a
`computing device and the operator, or an external device.
`
`[0005] Auser interface (e.g., graphical user interface) may
`be coupled with the console interface to allow a local user
`to access the console of the computing device. The user
`interface may be used to provide a visible representation of
`information, whether in words, numbers, and/or drawings,
`on a user interface coupled with the computing device. User
`interfaces may include graphical user interfaces, monitors,
`keyboards,etc.
`
`[0006] Console information generated by the console
`includes data, communications and/or signals communi-
`cated between the console of the computing device and an
`operator. Such information typically includes health, admin-
`istrative, configuration and/or programming information,
`tools, commands,data and other information. Console infor-
`mation mayalso include data, signals, commands and other
`communications from a terminal unit to a console. For
`example, during startup of a personal computer, console
`information is displayed at a monitor coupled with the
`computing device. The console information includes health
`and configuration information regarding the particular com-
`puting device, its operating system, hardware and/or soft-
`ware components.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention provides a system and
`[0007] The present
`method for storing console information associated with the
`console of a computing device. In accordance with a par-
`ticular embodiment of the present invention, console infar-
`mation from one or more computing devices is collected and
`stored at a memory module, and made available for future
`presentation to an operator.
`
`In one embodiment, a computing device includes a
`[0008]
`console and a console interface operable to transmit console
`information associated with the console. Amemory module
`operable to receive the console information is also included.
`In a particular embodiment, the memory module is further
`
`operable to store the console information for retrieval by an
`operator of the computing device.
`
`In accordance with another embodiment of the
`[0009]
`present invention, a system includesa first computing device
`having a first console and a first console interface operable
`to transmit first console information associated with the first
`
`console. A second computing device is coupled for commu-
`nication with the first computing device. The second com-
`puting device includes a memory module operable to receive
`the first console information. The memory module maybe
`further operable to store the first console information.
`
`In still another embodiment of the present inven-
`{0010]
`tion, a third computing device is coupled for communication
`with the second computing device. The third computing
`device includes a second console and a second console
`interface operable to transmit second console information
`associated with the second console. The memory module
`may be further operable to receive and store the second
`console information.
`
`invention
`(0011] Technical advantages of the present
`include a system and methodfor storing console information
`generated by the console of a computing device. By col-
`lecting, storing, manipulating, and/or presenting the console
`information to an operator, performance of the computing
`device(s) and associated console(s) may be reviewed and
`analyzed in the future.
`
`{0012] Another technical advantage of the present inven-
`tion includes a system and method for collecting console
`information from a plurality of computing devices, at a
`central location. In this manner, a single computing device
`may be used to collect, store, and analyze console informa-
`tion from a plurality of computing devices. The storage of
`this information allows later presentation to an operator.
`
`[0013] Other technical advantages will be readily apparent
`to one skilled in the art from the following Figures, descrip-
`tions, and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have
`been enumerated above, various embodiments may include
`all, some or none of the enumerated advantages.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0014] For a more complete understanding of the present
`invention and its advantages, reference is now made to the
`following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accom-
`panyiog drawings, in which:
`
`a communication network
`illustrates
`1
`{0015] FIG.
`including a server and a plurality of computing devices,
`incorporating various aspects of the present invention;
`
`a communication network
`[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates
`including webserver processing cards and networkinterface
`cards of a server chassis coupled for communication with
`various network components, in accordance with a particu-
`lar embodimentof the present invention;
`
`FIG.3 illustrates the structure of a communication
`(0017]
`frame which may be used in accordance with a particular
`embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG.4 illustrates the structure of a communication
`[0018]
`frame which may be used in conjunction with a particular
`embodiment of the present invention;
`
`

`

`US 2002/0188718 Al
`
`Dec. 12, 2002
`
`user interface, graphical user interface, monitor, keyboard,
`mouse, personal computer and/or other computing devices.
`
`the term “console
`this application,
`(0027] Throughout
`information” includes any data, communication, and/orsig-
`nals communicated between the console of the computing
`device and an operator and/or user. Console information
`typically includes health, administrative, configuration and/
`or programming information, tools, commands, data and
`[0021] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating inter and
`other information. Console information also includes data,
`intra communication betweena plurality of server chassis, in
`signals, commands and other communications fromater-
`accordance with a particular embodiment of the present
`minal unit to a console. During startup of a standard personal
`invention;
`computer (PC), console information is displayed at a moni-
`tor coupled with the computing device. The console infor-
`mation includes health and configuration information
`regarding the particular computing device,
`it’s operating
`system, hardware and/or software components. However,
`this information is not stored forlater retrieval. Therefore, if
`a monitor is not coupled with the computing device, the
`console information cannot be viewed by a user. Further-
`more, the user must view the console information in real
`time, as it is communicated from the computing device.
`
`[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating communi-
`cation between a plurality of computing devices and a link
`board, in accordance with a particular embodiment of the
`present invention;
`
`[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a selection chart for mapping
`responsibility of a plurality of computing devices, in accar-
`dance with a particular embodimentof the present invention;
`
`[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates bit field command messages, in
`accordance with a particular embodiment of the present
`invention;
`
`[0023] FIG. 9 is a graphical representation illustrating the
`definition of the bit fields of FIG. 8, in accordance with a
`particular embodiment of the present invention; and
`
`[0024] FIG. 10 is a graphical representation ofbit fields of
`Acknowledge messages and their potential values, in accor-
`dance with a particular embodimentof the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating a com-
`munication network 30 in accordance with a particular
`embodimentof the present invention. Network 30 includes
`a plurality of computing devices 32-35, each having an
`associated console 36-39, respectively, and console inter-
`face, 40-43,
`respectively. Memory modules 45-48 are
`coupled with consoles 36-39, respectively and are operable
`to store console information regarding computing devices
`32-35, respectively. Each console interface 36-39 is coupled
`with a console server 50, using a plurality of communication
`links 45-48.
`In a particular embodiment of the present
`invention, console information regarding computing devices
`32-35 is stored at memory modules 45-48, respectively,
`and/or communicated to console server 50. Accordingly,
`historical and/or real-time console information regarding
`computing devices 32-35 may be accessed by users of
`network 30. Furthermore, console server 50 provides access
`to computing devices 32-35 for communicating console
`information to and from computing devices 32-35 for moni-
`toring, debugging, troubleshooting, maintenance, configu-
`ration and/or updates to terminal units 32-35.
`
`the term “console”
`[0026] Throughout this application,
`includes the section of a computing device that is used to
`control
`the computing device manually, correct errors,
`manually revise the contents of storage, and provide com-
`munications in other ways between the operator and the
`central processing unit and/or operating system. Console
`interfaces 40-43 provide an interface between the console of
`each computing device and an operator and/or external
`device. A user interface may be coupled with the console
`interface to allow a local uscr to acecss the console of the
`
`‘lhe manner in which console information is com-
`[0028]
`municated and/or displayed to a user depends, at least in
`part, upon the particular software, hardware, and/or configu-
`ration of the computing device. For example, particular
`versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system are
`configured to display console information to a user of an
`IBM compatible PC via a video graphics array (VGA)
`interface. The Linux operating system, on the other hand,
`typically displays console information to a user in a serial
`manner. Regardless of the configuration of hardware and/or
`software associated with the computing device, the teach-
`ings of the present invention provide a methodfor storing,
`at
`least
`temporarily,
`this console information for
`later
`retrieval by a user.
`
`In the illustrated embodiment, the console infor-
`[0029]
`mation may also be communicated to a server or another
`computing device coupled with the computing device of
`interest. For example,
`the console information regarding
`computing device 32 may be communicated to console
`server 50 and/or one or more of computing devices 33-35,
`which may be coupled with computing device 32. The server
`or attached computing device may also be configured to
`store the console information regarding one or more com-
`puting devices.
`
`[0030] Memory module 45 includes hardware, software,
`and/or logic operable to read, record, buffer, store and/or
`communicate data and information between and among
`components internal and external to computing device 32.
`Since each computing device 32-35 includes similar com-
`ponents and function similarly, the operation and function-
`ality of computing device 32 will be described in detail.
`However, it shall be recognized that all aspects and func-
`tionality of components of computing device 32 pertains to
`each computing device 33-35. For example, each memory
`module 46-48 is configured and functions similarly to
`memory module 45, with regard to their respective comput-
`ing devices 33-35, respectively.
`
`computing device. For example, a console display 58 may
`be coupled with console interface 40. Console display 58
`[0031] Console information associated with computing
`mayincludeavisible representation of information, whether
`device 32 is communicated to console interface 36. There-
`in words, numbers, and/or drawings, on a console screen
`coupled with computing device 32. In various embodiments
`fore, if console display 58 is coupled with console interface
`40, a user can view the console information in “real-time” at
`of the present invention, console display 58 may include a
`
`

`

`US 2002/0188718 Al
`
`Dec. 12, 2002
`
`the user interface. In accordance with a particular embodi-
`ment of the present invention, memory module 45 receives
`all console information generated by computing device 32
`and stores the console information. Memory module 45 may
`comprise a buffer. Accordingly, memory module 45 would
`include a finite capacity. Therefore, data (e.g. console infor-
`mation) is stored until the buffer is full. When memory
`module 45 reaches its capacity, it begins writing over the
`oldest data currently in the buffer.
`[0032] Console information regarding computing device
`32, which is stored within memory module 45, may be
`accessed for further processing, by a user of network 30. For
`example, a user may couple a terminal unit 58 with com-
`puting device 32 andretrieve the console information stored
`at buffer 40. Console information stored within memory
`module 45 may be referred to as “historical console infar-
`mation.”
`
`[0033] Throughout this application, the term “real-time”
`console information includes console information which is
`
`read and/or displayed as it is received from console 36. On
`the other hand, “historical console information” includes
`stored console information which is read, and stored by
`memory module 45, and/or any console information that is
`not communicated in real-time. Unless otherwise specified,
`the term console information shall mean real-time console
`information, historical console information, and/or any other
`information stored in memory module 45 (e.g., alerts),
`throughout this application. The term “memory module”
`mayincludeall types of memory and storage media operable
`to store data, at least temporarily, for retrieval by a user
`and/or another computing device or server. In particular
`embodiments, memory module 45 may include random
`access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), dual
`in-line memory modules (DIMMs),registers, buffers, intc-
`grated circuits, volatile memory, micro-programmable
`devices, disk subsystems, and/or non-volatile memory. The
`term “module” includes software, hardware, and/or encoded
`logic operable to read, record,store, buller, and/or commu-
`nicate data and information between and among components
`of network 30.
`
`[0034] Memory module 45 includes historical console
`information regarding computing device 32. In other words,
`memory module 45 includes console information collected
`(read) and stored over a period of time. Therefore, a user of
`terminal unit 58 may view console information communi-
`cated from console 36 before the occurrence of a specific
`event. For example, if computing device 32 experiences
`trouble, or crashes during operation, the user of terminal unit
`58 may view console information communicated before,
`during and/orafter the event. Similarly, the user of terminal
`unit 58 can review console information communicated by
`console 36 in the past, in order to determine the reaction of
`computing device 32 to any specific event or particular
`operating conditions and/or characteristics. This type of
`historical console information was not previously available
`to a user of a computing device. Instead, real-time console
`information was available to the computer operatorif a user
`interface was coupled with computing device 32 and the
`console information was viewed by the operator in real-
`time, as it was communicated from console 36 to the user
`interface.
`
`console information regarding console 39, from a remote
`location. A terminal unit 60 is coupled with computing
`device 35 using communication link 61. Communication
`link 61 extends
`through communication network 62.
`Accordingly, a user may access console interface 43 from a
`remote location and viewreal time console informationas it
`
`is received from console 39. The user may establish a
`two-way communication session in order to communicate
`with console 39. Alternatively, the user of terminal unit 60
`may communicate with memory module 48 in order to
`retrieve historical
`console
`information stored within
`memory module 48. In alternative embodiments, terminal
`unit 60 may also be coupled for communication with one or
`more of computing devices 32-34 in order to monitor,
`review, and administer each computing device 32-35,
`remotely.
`
`In accordance with another embodiment of the
`[0036]
`present invention, real-time console information generated
`by computing device 32 is communicated to console server
`50 using communication link 52. Data and information
`received at console server 50, including real-time console
`information received from computing devices 32-35, may be
`viewed at a user interface 64 of console server 50. Console
`
`server 50 may be local to computing devices 32-35 (e.g.
`located on the same premises) or console server 50 maybe
`located at a remote location, and/or coupled with computing
`devices 32-35 through a communication network.
`
`[0037] Console server 50 includes a memory module 66
`whichis operable to store the console information received
`from computing device 32. Data and information stored in
`memory module 66, including historical console informa-
`tion received from computing devices 32-35 may be viewed
`at user interface 64. Therefore, a user of console server 50
`may view historical console information regarding console
`36 of computing device 32, by accessing memory module
`66. Console server 50 also includes a console 67. Console
`
`server 50 may be configured to collect, read, buffer, store,
`process, communicate, and/or control its own console 67
`and/or console information associated with console 67.
`
`In another embodiment, for example if console
`[0038]
`server 50 does not include user interface 64, a terminal unit
`68 may be used to view the console information received
`from computing device 32. Terminal unit 68 is coupled with
`console server 50 using communication link 69. Terminal
`unit 68 may be used to view real lime console information
`received by console server 50 from computing device 32, in
`real time as it is received at console server 50. Alternatively,
`terminal unit 68 may be used to review historical console
`information regarding computing device 32, which is stored
`within memory 66.
`
`[0039] A terminal unit 72 is coupled with console server
`50 using a communication link 73. Communication link 73
`extends through a communication network 75. Therefore, a
`user of terminal unit 72 may access console server 50 from
`a remote location, through network 75. The user of terminal
`unit 72 has access to real-time console information as it is
`communicated from console 36 to console server 50 and to
`terminal unit 72. The user of terminal unit 72 also has access
`
`to historical console information stored in any of memory
`modules 45-48 and/or memory module 66.
`
`Asillustrated in FIG. 1 with regard to computing
`[0035]
`device 35, a uscr may access real-time and/or historical
`
`[0040] A plurality of terminal units, computing devices,
`uscr interfaces and scrvers, are disclosed throughout this
`
`

`

`US 2002/0188718 Al
`
`Dec. 12, 2002
`
`specification. Any component included with one of these
`devices may also be included with any other, or all such
`devices. In alternative embodiments, terminal units, com-
`puting devices,user interfaces, monitors, and/or servers may
`include telephones, computers, personal computers, laptops,
`notebook computers, personal digital assistants, keyboards,
`monitors, memory modules, consoles, console interfaces,
`and any components associated therewith capable of data
`communication, and/or data processing internally, locally,
`and/or over a network. Communication links and commu-
`nication networks disclosed herein may include any com-
`puter and/or communication network including, without
`limitation, the public switched telephone network (PSTN),
`the Internet, intranets, local area networks (LANs), wide
`area networks (WANs), or metropolitan area networks, for
`wireless or wireline communication incorporating twisted
`pair, cable, optical fiber, or other suitable wireline links,
`and/or radio frequency, microwave, infrared and/or other
`suitable wireless links.
`
`In accordance with a particular embodimentof the
`[0041]
`present invention, memory module 66 may be configured to
`“poll” consoles 36-39 and/or memory modules 45-48 peri-
`odically, in order to collect and/or store real-time and/or
`historical console information associated with computing
`devices 32-35. In a particular embodiment, console server
`50 communicates with one or more of computing devices
`32-35, at predetermined time intervals, to collect real-time
`and/or historical console information. The console informa-
`tion collected by console server 50 may be stored at memory
`module 66 for retrieval by a network component coupled
`with console server 50. In other embodiments, console
`information may be communicated from computing devices
`32-35 to console server 50 byinterrupt driven/on-demand
`requests from either the computing devices or the console
`server. In other words, the console server maybe configured
`to request console information from the computing devices
`in response to a particular event, circumstance, alert or
`situation. Similarly, the computing devices may be config-
`ured to transmit console information to the console server in
`
`response to a particular event, circumstance, alert or situa-
`tion.
`
`[0042] Memory module 66 includes a plurality of buffer
`modules 80-83, which communicate with computing
`devices 32-35, respectively. Therefore, console information
`collected by console server 50 regarding computing devices
`32-35 may be partitioned, for convenient access to console
`information regarding a particular computing device, by
`users of console server 50, terminal unit 68 and/or terminal
`unit 72.
`
`In accordance with another embodiment, comput-
`[0043]
`ing devices 32, consoles 36-39 and/or memory modules
`45-48 may be configured to transmit real-time and/or his-
`torical console information to console server 50 continu-
`
`ously, or at predetermined time intervals. There are many
`methods of communication between and among the various
`components of network 30. It will be recognized by those of
`ordinary skill in the art that any communication between
`components whichresult in real-time and/or historical con-
`sole information being communicated to console server 50
`and available for retrieval by a user of network 30 is
`included with aspects of the present invention.
`[0044] Terminal units 68, 72 and/or console server 50 may
`be uscd to establish two way communication with comput-
`
`ing devices 32-25, their respective consoles 36-39, and /or
`memory modules 45-49. Therefore, console 50, terminal
`unit 68, and/or terminal unit 72 may be used to collect and
`transmit information to any particular component of con-
`soles 36-39. Accordingly, such users can perform operation,
`administration,
`troubleshooting, maintenance, debugging,
`and/or updates of consoles 36-39 from a remote location.
`
`[0045] For example, a user of console server 50 may
`display, in a single communication session, console infor-
`mation regarding a single computing device. Alternatively,
`the user may display console information regarding all
`computing devices, simultaneously, in a single communica-
`tion session. Furthermore,
`the user may select a group
`including two or more particular computing devices of
`computing devices 32-35 to communicate with in a single
`communication session.
`
`[0046] This feature allows the user to review the console
`information associated with the group of computing devices
`to determine how each reacts/and or reacted to a particular
`situation. For example, if one or more servers crash, the user
`can review and/or compare the console information from
`each computing device that crashed, and/or perform main-
`tenance, debugging, and/or repair on such terminal units
`simultaneously.
`
`[0047] Console interface 40 is configured to broadcast
`communication sessions with terminal unit 58, and to con-
`sole server 50, in real-time. Similarly, communication ses-
`sions between console server 50 and computing device 32
`are communicated to terminal unit 58, in real time. There-
`fore, if a local user couples terminal unit 58 with console
`interface 40, and begins a communication session with
`console 36 and/or memory module 45, the communication
`session may be viewed, in real time, at user interface 64,
`terminal unit 68, and/or terminal unit 72. This allows two
`users lo communicate with computing device 32 simulta-
`neously, and each can view exactly what the other is doing
`and/or seeing at their respective user interface during their
`respective communication sessions. Accordingly, two users
`in remote locations from one another may cooperate to
`simultaneously communicate with and/or debug a particular
`computing device and/or group of computing devices.
`
`[0048] Each computing device 32-35 of the illustrated
`embodimentis coupled with a communication bus31. In the
`illustrated embodiment, bus 31 comprises an RS-485, two
`wire bus. In alternative embodiments, bus 31 may include
`RS-232, Ethernet, USB, and/or any communication link.
`Console information and other data, signals, and/or other
`information may be communicated between and among
`computing devices 32-35 using communication bus 31.
`Accordingly, one of computing devices 32-35 may be con-
`figured to function as the console server. If a computing
`device is selected to perform the functionality of console
`server 50, that computing device may include someor all of
`the components disclosed herein with regard to console
`server 50. Console information regarding one or more of
`computing devices 32-35 may be collected, and/or stored at
`a particular of computing devices 32-35.
`
`FIG.2 illustrates a communication network 130, in
`[0049]
`accordance with a particular cmbodiment of the present
`invention. Network 130 includes a server chassis 120, with
`portions broken away for clarity, having the plurality of
`computing devices 32-35 coupled with a midplane 131.
`
`

`

`US 2002/0188718 Al
`
`Dec. 12, 2002
`
`Midplane 131 includes communication bus 31 which
`couples server processing cards 32-25.
`In a particular
`embodiment, computing devices 32-35 include server pro-
`cessing cards.
`
`regard to the other server processing cards, and network
`interface cards 122-124. If the network administrator selects
`server processing card 32, for example, to function as the
`console server for a given session, server processing card 32
`will communicate with, and collect console information
`associated with server processing cards 33-35. This allows
`the network administrator to consolidate all console infor-
`
`[0050] A plurality of network interface cards 122-124 are
`coupled with midplane 131 and bus 31, and provide server
`processing cards 32-35 with access to a plurality of com-
`mation with regard to server processing cards 32-35 upon a
`munication network components. For example, network
`single server processing card. A local user may access server
`interface card 122 is coupled with the Internet 140. Network
`processing card 32 by coupling a terminal unit with a
`interface card 123 couples server chassis 120 with another
`console interface 144. A user may also access console
`network of co