JP2011028652A - Kvm switch, communication unit and communication adaptor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a KVM switch, a communication unit and a communication adaptor that allow more consoles to access information processors and more information processors to be accessed from the consoles. <P>SOLUTION: The KVM switch 3 includes: a plurality of communication ports 312a to 312n communicating with a plurality of server units 2 connected to servers 1; a plurality of communication ports 311a to 311n communicating with a plurality of console adaptors 4 connected to consoles 5; and a microcomputer 301 for synchronizing internal set data with internal set data included in another KVM switch through at least one of the communication ports 312a to 312n. Each of the plurality of server units 2 can communicate with a plurality of KVM switches. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a KVM switch, a communication unit, and a communication adapter.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a KVM switch that switches a plurality of servers when a console including a keyboard, a mouse, and a monitor is shared by the plurality of servers is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). This KVM switch can cascade another KVM switch.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-18135

  However, the KVM switch has a problem that the number of consoles accessing the server cannot be increased.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a KVM switch, a communication unit, and a communication adapter capable of increasing the number of consoles accessing an information processing apparatus and the number of information processing apparatuses accessible by the console.

  In order to achieve the above object, the KVM switch of the present invention communicates with a plurality of first communication means capable of communicating with a plurality of communication units each connected to an information processing apparatus, and a plurality of communication adapters connected to each console. A plurality of possible second communication means, and a synchronization means for synchronizing internal setting data with internal setting data included in another KVM switch via at least one of the plurality of first communication means, Each of the communication units can communicate with the plurality of KVM switches.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the number of consoles accessing the information processing apparatus and the number of information processing apparatuses accessible by the console.

It is a lineblock diagram of a KVM system provided with a KVM switch concerning this embodiment. (A) is a block diagram of the server unit 2, and (B) is a block diagram of the console adapter 4. 3 is a configuration diagram of a KVM switch 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the data transmitted to the KVM switch 3 from the server unit 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a detailed data configuration of “operation right 1”, “operation right 2”, “operation right 3”, and “communication state” in the Status column of FIG. 4. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of data transmitted from a KVM switch 3 to a server unit 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a detailed data configuration of “operation right” in the OpC column of FIG. 6. 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the microcomputer 301 of the KVM switch 3. 5 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the microcomputer 201 of the server unit 2. It is a figure which shows an example of a user registration screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a server selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example of an advanced setting screen. (A)-(D) are figures which show the example of the table data preserve | saved at EEPROM302. It is a flowchart which shows the process which notifies the operation authority of a server. It is a figure which shows an example of the status information displayed on the monitor 5C after selection of a server. 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the microcomputer 301 of the KVM switch 3. 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a microcomputer 401 of the console adapter 4. It is a flowchart which shows the process which notifies the operation authority of a server.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a KVM system including a KVM (K: keyboard, V: video, M: mouse) switch according to the present embodiment.

  The KVM system of FIG. 1 has first to third groups, and each group includes a plurality of servers 1 (information processing devices), a plurality of server units 2 (communication units), a plurality of KVM switches 3, and a plurality of consoles. An adapter 4 (communication adapter) and a plurality of consoles 5 are provided. Each console 5 includes a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse. The number of servers 1 and consoles 5 included in each group is, for example, 16, but is not limited thereto. Each KVM switch 3 included in the first group switches 16 consoles and connects to 16 servers.

  Each server unit 2 is connected to one server 1 included in the same group and is connected to three KVM switches 3 included in the same group. Each console adapter 4 is connected to one console 5 included in the same group and to three KVM switches. The three KVM switches connected to each console adapter 4 belong to different groups. Thereby, each console 5 can be connected to any of 48 servers included in the first to third groups.

  FIG. 2A is a configuration diagram of the server unit 2, and FIG. 2B is a configuration diagram of the console adapter 4.

  The server unit 2 includes a microcomputer 201 that controls the entire server unit 2, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) 202 that stores programs and data, and an EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) such as a monitor connection name and setting values. An EDID storage unit 203 that stores data, a selector 204 that selects whether or not to output EDID, and a rewriting unit 205 that rewrites the firmware of the server unit 2 are provided. The server unit 2 further includes communication ports 206 to 208 connected to a plurality of KVM switches 3, a USB port 209 that outputs USB (Universal Serial Bus) data to the server 1, and a PS that outputs key codes and mouse data to the server 1. / 2 port 210, serial port 211 for outputting serial data to server 1, video port 212 for inputting screen data of server 1, and video for transmitting screen data input from video port 212 to KVM switch 3 as a video signal Signal transmission units 213 to 215 are provided.

  The microcomputer 201 is connected to the EEPROM 202, the EDID storage unit 203, the selector 204, the rewriting unit 205, the communication ports 206 to 208, the USB port 209, the PS / 2 port 210, and the serial port 211. The video transmission units 213 to 215 are connected to the video port 212 and the communication ports 206 to 208. In FIG. 2A, the number of communication ports is three. However, the number is not limited to this, and a plurality of communication ports may be used. Also, the number of video signal transmission units is three, but is not limited to this, and a plurality of video signal transmission units may be provided.

  The console adapter 4 includes a microcomputer 401 that controls the entire console adapter 4, an EEPROM 402 that stores programs and data, a rewriting unit 403 that rewrites the firmware of the console adapter 4, a PS / 2 port 404 that is connected to the keyboard 5A, and a mouse 5B. PS / 2 port 405 to be connected to, video port 406 to be connected to monitor 5C, communication ports 407 to 409 to be connected to a plurality of KVM switches 3, and a plurality of video signals are received and a video signal to be displayed on monitor 5C is switched. A video signal reception & switching unit 410 is provided. The microcomputer 401 is connected to the EEPROM 402, the rewriting unit 403, the PS / 2 port 404, the PS / 2 port 405, and the communication ports 407 to 409. The video signal reception & switching unit 410 is connected between the communication ports 407 to 409 and the video port 406. The keyboard 5A, mouse 5B, and monitor 5C constitute a console 5. In FIG. 2B, the number of communication ports is three. However, the number is not limited to this, and a plurality of communication ports may be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the server unit 2 connects a plurality of KVM switches 3 around itself (star connection), and the console adapter 4 has a plurality of KVM switches around itself. 3 is connected (star connection).

  FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the KVM switch 3.

  The KVM switch 3 includes a microcomputer 301 that controls the entire KVM switch 3, an EEPROM 302 that stores programs and data, video signal input units 303 a to 303 n that input video signals from a plurality of server units 2, and video signal distortion adjustment. Video signal adjustment unit 304a to 304n, matrix switch unit 305 for switching the output destination of the input video signal, video signal output from matrix switch unit 305, or reference signal output from reference signal generation unit 309 OSD controllers 306a to 306n for superimposing on-screen display (OSD) function setting screen data stored in the EEPROM 302 on video signals output from the matrix switch unit 305. 7n, video signal output units 308a to 308n that output the video signals or reference signals output from the switch units 306a to 306n to the console adapter 4, and a reference signal generation unit 309 that generates a reference signal used to adjust the distortion of the video signal A matrix switch unit 310 for switching the output destination of the input key code and mouse data, communication ports 311a to 311n for connecting a plurality of console adapters 4, and communication ports 312a to 312n for connecting a plurality of server units 2. .

  The video signal input units 303a to 303n are connected to the communication ports 312a to 312n and the video signal adjustment units 304a to 304n. The microcomputer 301 is connected to the EEPROM 302, video signal adjustment units 304a to 304n, matrix switch units 305 and 310, and switch units 306a to 306n. The matrix switch unit 305 is connected to the video signal adjustment units 304a to 304n, the switch units 306a to 306n, and the OSD controllers 307a to 307n. The switch units 306a to 306n are connected to the reference signal generation unit 309, the OSD controllers 307a to 307n, and the video signal output units 308a to 308n. The video signal output units 308a to 308n are connected to the communication ports 311a to 311n. The matrix switch unit 310 is connected to the communication ports 311a to 311n and the communication ports 312a to 312n.

  The KVM switch 3 only needs to include a plurality of video signal adjustment units, a plurality of switch units, a plurality of OSD controllers, a plurality of switch units, a plurality of video signal output units, and a plurality of communication ports. Not.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data transmitted from the server unit 2 to the KVM switch 3.

  4 indicate byte numbers of data transmitted from the server unit 2 to the KVM switch 3. The columns such as power supply and image quality adjustment indicate the type of data transmitted from the server unit 2 to the KVM switch 3.

  The column data of the 0th byte in FIG. 4 (that is, 00h, 01h, 02h, etc.) is a code for identifying the type of data. “Server power information” in FIG. 4 is data indicating power on / off of the server 1, and “Outlet box information” is data indicating on / off of a power outlet box (not shown) that supplies power to the server 1. It is. “0” in FIG. 4 indicates empty data.

  “Type” in the column of image quality adjustment is data specifying a mode for adjusting image quality such as color misregistration. “Version” is data indicating the firmware version of the server unit 2. The “INDEX type” in the SYNC column is data indicating the type of data that can be set in the KVM switch 3 (for example, server name, user ID, user name, logout time, etc.). “Master index” in the SYNC column is identification data of the master server. Specifically, when 32 servers are operating, the master server is specified by any number from 0 to 31 as “master index”. “Slave index” in the SYNC column is identification data of the slave server. “Data 1” in the SYNC column indicates 1-byte actual data transmitted to the KVM switch 3.

  “Data (7 bytes)” in the column of SYNC indicates 7 bytes of actual data set in the KVM switch 3. “ACK = FF” in the SyncACK column indicates that data “FF” is returned to the server unit 2 when the actual data is normally set in the KVM switch 3.

  “Operation right 1”, “Operation right 2”, and “Operation right 3” in the Status column are data indicating the state of the operation right, the identification number of the KVM switch, the port number used by the user, and the user ID, respectively. It is. “Communication state” in the Status column indicates whether each communication port of the server unit is performing polling communication with the KVM switch 3. FIG. 5 shows a detailed data structure of “operation right 1”, “operation right 2”, “operation right 3”, and “communication state” in the Status column.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data transmitted from the KVM switch 3 to the server unit 2.

  6 indicate byte numbers of data transmitted from the KVM switch 3 to the server unit 2. The columns such as the power supply box control and the polling interval indicate the types of data transmitted from the KVM switch 3 to the server unit 2.

  The column data of the 0th byte (that is, 00h, 01h, 02h, etc.) in FIG. 6 is a code for identifying the type of data. “Control method” in the column of power supply box control is data indicating manual control or auto control, and “OFF time” is data specifying a time for turning off a power supply box (not shown). “Interval” in the column of the polling interval is data indicating a time interval for performing polling communication with the server unit 2.

  “INDEX type”, “master index”, “slave index”, “data 1”, and “data (7 bytes)” in the SYNC column are the same as those in FIG. “ACK” in the SyncACK column indicates that ACK data is returned to the KVM switch 3 when actual data is normally transmitted to the server unit 2. The “operation right” in the OpC column is data indicating the state of the operation right, the identification number of the KVM switch, the port number used by the user, and the user ID. FIG. 7 shows a detailed data structure of the “operation right” in the OpC column.

  In order to make the setting of one KVM switch 3 the same as the setting of the other KVM switch 3 via the server unit 2, the data in the SYNC column, the data in the SyncACK column, and the data in the OpC column are It is transmitted from the KVM switch 3 to the server unit 2.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the microcomputer 301 of the KVM switch 3. In this process, when the internal setting data of one KVM switch 3 (server name, user ID, user name, logout time, etc.) is changed, the internal setting data of the remaining two KVM switches 3 belonging to the same group The corresponding part of is synchronized with the modified data. Therefore, the internal setting data of the three KVM switches 3 belonging to the same group are the same. As a result, the three KVM switches 3 operate as if they were one KVM switch. A plurality of KVM switches and microcomputers belonging to each group are distinguished by adding symbols A to C.

  The microcomputer 301A of the KVM switch 3A requests the firmware version (02h) from the server unit 2 (step S1). The microcomputer 301A determines whether or not the version data received from the server unit 2 is “7xx” (step S2). Here, it is determined whether the server unit connected to the KVM switch 3A is the server unit 2 shown in FIG. 2A or a conventional server unit. When the version data is “7xx” (YES in step S2), the server unit connected to the KVM switch 3A is the server unit 2 shown in FIG.

  If NO in step S2, this process ends. If YES in step S2, the microcomputer 301A designates the type of data (that is, INDEX type) transmitted after SYNC (03h) (step S3). For example, when the changed internal setting data of the KVM switch 3A is a server name, the microcomputer 301A designates the server name as the type of data transmitted after SYNC (03h).

  Next, the microcomputer 301A uses SYNC (03h) and subsequent data (that is, INDEX type, master index, slave index, and data 1) and SYNC (04h) and subsequent data (that is, data (7 bytes)). Is transmitted to the KVM switches 3B and 3C via the server unit 2 (step S4). The microcomputer 301A determines the number of bytes of data to be transmitted according to the type of data. If the data to be transmitted is 1 byte, the area of “data 1” (1 byte) in the SYNC column of FIG. 6 can be used, so the microcomputer 301A uses the data following KSYNC (03h) as KVM. The data is transmitted to the switches 3B and 3C, and SYNC (04h) and subsequent data are not transmitted to the KVM switches 3B and 3C. If there is more than 9 bytes of data to be transmitted, the microcomputer 301A switches the SYNC (03h) and subsequent data, the SYNC (04h) and subsequent data, and the SYNC (04h) and subsequent data to the KVM switch. Transmit to 3B and 3C. That is, when the data to be transmitted exceeds 8 bytes, the microcomputer 301A transmits the data to the KVM switches 3B and 3C using a plurality of SYNCs (04h).

  When the microcomputers 301B and 301C of the KVM switches 3B and 3C receive SYNC (03h) and subsequent data, and SYNC (04h) and subsequent data (step S5), “ACK” of SyncACK (05h) is transmitted to the server. Transmit to unit 2 (step S6).

  The microcomputer 301A determines whether or not “ACK” of SyncACK (05h) has been received via the server unit 2 (step S7). If YES, the process returns to step S3, and the next data is transmitted. On the other hand, in the case of NO, the microcomputer 301A times out at 76 ms (stops processing) (step S8), returns to step S4, and executes data retransmission.

  By the loop processing of steps S3 to S7, the microcomputer 301A of the KVM switch 3A transmits all the internal setting data to the KVM switches 3B and 3C belonging to the same group via the server unit 2, and the internal settings of the KVM switches 3B and 3C. Data can be synchronized with the internal setting data of the KVM switch 3A.

  The above processing is applied not only when the internal setting data of the KVM switch 3 is changed, but also when a predetermined operation is executed. For example, when the “ctrl” key and “S” key are input on the login screen, the microcomputer 301A of the KVM switch 3A stores all internal setting data (server name, user ID, user name, logout time, etc.) Is transmitted to the KVM switches 3B and 3C via the server unit 2, and the internal setting data of the KVM switches 3B and 3C are synchronized with the internal setting data of the KVM switch 3A.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the microcomputer 201 of the server unit 2. A plurality of KVM switches and microcomputers belonging to each group are distinguished by adding symbols A to C. Further, it is assumed that the version of the server unit 2 is “7xx”.

  The microcomputer 201 receives the SYNC (03h) and subsequent data, and the SYNC (04h) and subsequent data from the KVM switch 3A via the communication port 206, and establishes communication with other KVM switches. These data are transmitted to the port (step S11). In this case, if the communication ports 207 and 208 have established communication with the KVM switches 3B and 3C, respectively, the microcomputer 201 communicates SYNC (03h) and subsequent data, and SYNC (04h) and subsequent data. The data is transmitted to the KVM switches 3B and 3C via the ports 207 and 208.

  Next, the microcomputer 201 determines whether or not SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data are received from the communication port 207 and the communication port 208 (step S12). If YES in step S12, the microcomputer 201 transmits SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data to the KVM switch 3A via the communication port 206 (step S13).

  In the case of NO in step S12, the microcomputer 201 receives SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data from the communication port 207, and whether or not the communication port 208 has established communication with the KVM switch 3C. Is determined (step S14). If YES in step S14, the microcomputer 201 transmits SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data to the KVM switch 3A via the communication port 206 (step S15).

  If NO in step S14, the microcomputer 201 receives SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data from the communication port 207, and the communication port 208 has established communication with the KVM switch 3C. It is determined whether or not SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data are received from 208 (step S16).

  If YES in step S16, the microcomputer 201 times out in 30 ms (stops processing) and returns to a data reception standby state (step S17). If NO in step S16, this process ends.

  In this process, the microcomputer 201 transmits data from the KVM switch 3A to the KVM switches 3B and 3C, and transmits response response data (SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data) from the KVM switch 3B and 3C to the KVM switch 3A. However, the present process is not limited to this. For example, the microcomputer 201 transmits data from the KVM switch 3B to the KVM switches 3A and 3C, and transmits response response data (SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data) from the KVM switch 3A and 3C to the KVM switch 3B. In addition, the microcomputer 201 transmits data from the KVM switch 3C to the KVM switches 3A and 3B, and transmits response response data (SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data) from the KVM switch 3A and 3B to the KVM switch 3C. In these cases, the communication port used in steps S12 to S16 is appropriately changed.

  Next, the server operation right will be described.

  10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user registration screen, FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a server selection screen, and FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an advanced setting screen.

  When the user inputs a predetermined hot key (for example, pressing the Ctrl key twice) using the console 5, the user registration screen of FIG. 10 is displayed on the monitor 5C. When the user logs in to the KVM switch 3 using the console 5, the server selection screen in FIG. 11 is displayed on the monitor 5C. Further, when the user inputs another hot key (for example, pressing the F1 key twice) using the console 5, the advanced setting screen of FIG. 12 is displayed on the monitor 5C.

  The user registration screen of FIG. 10 includes a user ID registration unit 11, a password registration unit 12, a user / power user registration unit 13, and a key operation display unit 14. The new user registers the user ID and password on the user registration screen. The initial value of the user / power user registration unit 13 is “USER”, but can be changed to “POWER USER” on the user registration screen.

  The authority given to the user is “ADMIN”, “POWER USER”, or “USER”. “ADMIN” is set by the system administrator or the user who first accessed the KVM switch 3. “POWER USER” has an authority between “ADMIN” and “USER” at the time of multi-user access to the server 1 (that is, when a plurality of users access one server 1 simultaneously). For example, even if “POWER USER” accesses the server 1 that “ADMIN” accesses in advance, “POWER USER” can display the screen of the server 1 on the monitor 5C, but operates the server 1. It is not possible. On the other hand, even when “POWER USER” accesses the server 1 accessed in advance by “USER”, “POWER USER” can preferentially operate the server 1 instead of “USER”.

  “ADMIN” can change various settings of the KVM switch 3, but “POWER USER” and “USER” cannot change various settings of the KVM switch 3.

  The server selection screen in FIG. 11 includes an identification number display unit 21, a server selection unit 22, a user display unit 23, and a key operation display unit 24 for identifying three KVM switches belonging to the same group. When the user selects a server to be accessed from a plurality of servers displayed on the server selection unit 22, the user ID is displayed on the user display unit 23.

  When the “Z” key of the keyboard 5A is pressed while the server selection screen is displayed, the microcomputer 301 of the KVM switch 3 can switch to the previously selected server. In other words, the KVM switch 3 has an undo function for switching the current server to the previously selected server.

  12 includes a hot key selection unit 31, an identification number display unit 32, a multi-access mode selection unit 33, and a key operation display unit 34. The user can select a hot key by the hot key selection unit 31 and set the hot key in the KVM switch 3. The identification number display unit 32 displays identification numbers for identifying three KVM switches belonging to the same group. In the multi-access mode selection unit 33, a setting mode relating to acquisition or abandonment of the operation right is selected.

  When the “AUTO” mode is selected by the multi-access mode selection unit 33, the microcomputer 301 transfers the operation right of the server according to the table data shown in FIG. Note that the table data shown in FIGS. 13A to 13D is stored in the EEPROM 302.

  In FIG. 13A, “taken side” indicates the authority of the current user, and “acquisition side” indicates the authority of the user who has accessed the same server later. “OP” in FIG. 13A indicates that the current user is operating the server (that is, has the server operation right). Further, “「 ”in FIG. 13A indicates that the server operation right is transferred by operating the keyboard 5A or the mouse 5B, and“ X ”indicates that the server operation right cannot be acquired.

  In FIG. 13A, when the transfer of the server operation right is permitted, if the keyboard 5A or the mouse 5B is not operated for 5 seconds, the server operation right is abandoned. For example, if “POWER USER” currently has the server operation right and “ADMIN” accesses the same server, the server operation right is abandoned unless the “POWER USER” operates the keyboard 5A or the mouse 5B for 5 seconds. Is done. If the transfer of the server operation right is permitted and the server operation right is abandoned, the server operation right is automatically transferred to the operating user when the keyboard 5A or mouse 5B is operated. To do. For example, when “POWER USER” gives up the server operation right and “ADMIN” accesses the same server and operates the keyboard 5A or the mouse 5B, the server operation right is transferred to “ADMIN”.

  The microcomputer 301 has a setting mode for setting a reference time (above 5 seconds) for abandoning the server operation right. A user with the “ADMIN” authority uses this setting mode to operate the server. You can change the base time for abandoning rights.

  When the “MANUAL” mode is selected by the multi-access mode selection unit 33, the microcomputer 301 transfers the server operation right according to the table data shown in FIG. 13B when the server is selected. Note that “◯” in FIG. 13B indicates that the operation right of the server is transferred by a predetermined operation for acquiring the operation right. The predetermined operation is, for example, pressing an “ALT” key and a “HOME” key.

  In FIG. 13B, when the transfer of the server operation right is permitted, the user of each authority relinquishes the server operation right by performing an operation to relinquish the server operation right. In addition, a user with each authority acquires the server operation right by performing an operation to acquire the server operation right.

  When the “CUSTOM1” mode is selected by the multi-access mode selection unit 33, the microcomputer 301 adjusts the server operation right according to the table data shown in FIG. In this table data, “ADMIN” can only be used for various settings of the KVM switch 3 and cannot acquire the right to operate the server from “POWER USER” or “USER”. Similarly, “POWER USER” cannot acquire the operation right of the server from “USER”.

  When the “CUSTOM2” mode is selected by the multi-access mode selection unit 33, the microcomputer 301 adjusts the operation right of the server according to the table data shown in FIG. In this table data, transfer of server operation rights is permitted between users having the same authority or higher.

  In FIG. 13D, if “ADMIN” does not operate the keyboard 5A or the mouse 5B for 5 seconds, the server operation right is abandoned. “POWER USER” and “USER” perform the operation of relinquishing the server operation right, and the server operation right is relinquished. Each authority user obtains the server operation right by performing an operation for obtaining the server operation right.

  A user having the “ADMIN” authority can read out and edit the table data shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D stored in the EEPROM 302 to the monitor 5C. In this case, the microcomputer 301 of the KVM switch 3 changes the table data shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D in response to a change instruction from the console 5.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process for notifying the operation right of the server. This process is executed when the operation right of the server is changed. Here, it is assumed that the operation right of the server registered in the KVM switch 3A has been changed.

  First, when the server operation right registered in the KVM switch 3A is changed, the microcomputer 301A of the KVM switch 3A causes the OpC (06h) in FIG. 6 and information on the server operation right (that is, the operation right in FIG. 7). Status, KVM switch identification number, user port number, and user ID) are transmitted to the KVM switches 3B and 3C belonging to the same group via the server unit 2 (step S21). Information regarding the operation right of the server is stored in the EEPROM 302.

  The microcomputer 201 of the server unit 2 receives OpC (06h) and information on the server operation right from the microcomputer 301 of the KVM switch 3A, and stores them in the EEPROM 202 (step S22). The microcomputer 201 periodically transmits the information regarding the operation right of the server stored in the EEPROM 202 to the KVM switches 3B and 3C together with the status (06h) in FIG. 4 (step S23). As shown in the status column of FIG. 4 (that is, operation rights 1 to 3), the microcomputer 201 can transmit information on the server operation rights to the three KVM switches 3A to 3C. When the microcomputer 201 transmits information related to the server operation right to the KVM switches 3B and 3C, the microcomputer 201 sets the bit indicating the operation right state of the first byte to 11, as shown in FIG. Information related to server operation rights is invalid data. As a result, information related to the server operation right is substantially not transmitted to the KVM switch 3A.

  The microcomputers 301B and 301C of the KVM switches 3B and 3C receive status (06h) and information on the server operation right from the server unit 2 (step S24), and receive the received information on the server operation right and KVM switches 3B and 3C. It is managed together with information related to the operation right of its own server (step S25).

  In this process, the operation right of the server registered in the KVM switch 3A is changed. However, when the operation right of the server registered in the KVM switch 3B is changed, the operation of the server in the KVM switch 3B is changed. Information on the right is transmitted to the KVM switches 3A and 3C. Similarly, when the server operation right registered in the KVM switch 3C is changed, information regarding the server operation right in the KVM switch 3C is transmitted to the KVM switches 3A and 3B.

  According to this process, when the information regarding the operation right of the server 1 registered in one KVM switch 3A is changed, the microcomputer 201 transmits the information regarding the changed operation right of the server to the other KVM switch 3B. , 3C. Therefore, the microcomputer 201 can assist a plurality of KVM switches to share information regarding the server operation right.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of state information displayed on the monitor 5C after the server is selected.

  This state information is combined with the screen data from the server 1 and displayed by the OSD controllers 307a to 307n of the KVM switch 3. In the KVM switch 3, when the state information always display mode is set to ON, the state information is always displayed on the monitor 5C. When the status information always display mode is set to off, when a server is selected, when a user acquires or abandones the server operation right, when another user logs in or logs out of the same server, The status information is displayed on the monitor 5C, for example, when the user acquires or abandons the operation right of the server. In this case, the state information disappears after 3 seconds.

  In the status information of FIG. 15, the first level indicates the selected server name, the second level indicates the status of the user, and the third level indicates the status of another person (another user). “OP” in the first column of the second row indicates that the server has the operation right. When the server operation right is lost, “PV” indicating that there is no server operation right is displayed in the first column of the second row. “ICHIRO” in the second column of the second row indicates the user name. “01” in the third column of the second row indicates the identification number of the KVM switch. “01” in the fourth column of the second row indicates the console adapter identification number (specifically, the communication port number of the console adapter).

  “IN” in the first column of the third row indicates that another user has logged in to the same server. When another user logs out from the same server, “OUT” is displayed in the first column of the third row. “MUNENORI” in the second column of the third row indicates the user name of another user. “02” in the third column of the third row indicates the identification number of the KVM switch used by another user. “03” in the fourth column of the third row indicates the identification number of the console adapter used by another user (specifically, the communication port number of the console adapter).

  The information indicating the state of the third party's others (other users) is displayed for one second when another user logs in to the same server. Similarly, when another user logs in to the same server, the information is displayed for 1 second. Also, for example, when two other users log in to the same server, information indicating the status of the third-tier other person (another user) is displayed for one second for the first other user, Displayed for 1 second for other users. Similarly, in the case of logout, the information indicating the state of the third party of others (other users) is displayed for one second for the first other user and displayed for one second for the next other user.

  As shown in FIG. 15, since the status information is displayed on the monitor 5C, the user can check the status of other users accessing the selected server.

  Note that the microcomputer 301 has a setting mode for setting the display time of state information (including information indicating the state of another user in the third row) and the display color of the state information. Using this setting mode, a user with “ADMIN” authority can change the display time of status information (including information indicating the status of other users in the third row) and the display color of status information. For example, when the first level information of the status information is displayed in red, the second level information is displayed in black, and the third level information is displayed in blue, the microcomputer 301 is changed in the setting mode. Depending on the contents, the information in the first row of the status information may be changed to black display, the user name in the second row in the second row may be changed to yellow display, or the background color may be changed. it can.

  Further, the user registration screen in FIG. 10, the server selection screen in FIG. 11, the advanced setting screen in FIG. 12, and the status information in FIG. 15 are displayed by pressing the “Alt” key + “Ctrl” key + arrow key. Move in the direction of. The display positions of these screens or information are not stored and when displayed again, they are displayed at their original positions. Further, when the display position of these screens or information exceeds the displayable area of the monitor 5C, these screens or information disappear.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the microcomputer 301 of the KVM switch 3. This process is different from the process of FIG. 8 in that communication between a plurality of KVM switches belonging to different groups is executed via the console adapter 4.

  In this process, when the internal setting data (server name, user ID, user name, logout time, etc.) of one KVM switch 3 is changed, the internal setting data of one KVM switch 3 belonging to another group is changed. The corresponding part is synchronized with the changed data. Therefore, the internal setting data of one KVM switch 3 is the same as the internal setting data of one KVM switch 3 belonging to another group. As a result, a total of three KVM switches 3 belonging to different groups operate as if they were one KVM switch.

  Here, symbol A is added to the KVM switches and microcomputers belonging to the first group, symbol X is added to the KVM switches and microcomputers belonging to the second group, and symbol Y is assigned to the KVM switches and microcomputers belonging to the third group. Is added. The structure of data transmitted from the console adapter 4 to the KVM switch 3 is the same as that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the structure of data transmitted from the KVM switch 3 to the console adapter 4 is as shown in FIGS. The data structure is the same as

  The microcomputer 301A of the KVM switch 3A requests the firmware version (02h) from the console adapter 4 (step S31). The microcomputer 301A determines whether the version data received from the console adapter 4 is “7xx” (step S32). Here, it is determined whether the console adapter connected to the KVM switch 3A is the console adapter 4 shown in FIG. 2B or the conventional console adapter 4. When the version data is “7xx” (YES in step S32), the console adapter connected to the KVM switch 3A is the console adapter 4 shown in FIG.

  If NO in step S32, the process ends. If YES in step S32, the microcomputer 301A designates the type of data (that is, INDEX type) transmitted after SYNC (03h) (step S33). For example, when the changed internal setting data of the KVM switch 3A is a server name, the microcomputer 301A designates the server name as the type of data transmitted after SYNC (03h).

  Next, the microcomputer 301A uses SYNC (03h) and subsequent data (that is, INDEX type, master index, slave index, and data 1) and SYNC (04h) and subsequent data (that is, data (7 bytes)). Is transmitted to the KVM switches 3X and 3Y via the console adapter 4 (step S34). The microcomputer 301A determines the number of bytes of data to be transmitted according to the type of data. If the data to be transmitted is 1 byte, the area of “data 1” (1 byte) in the SYNC column of FIG. 6 can be used, so the microcomputer 301A uses the data following KSYNC (03h) as KVM. The data is transmitted to the switches 3X and 3Y, and SYNC (04h) and subsequent data are not transmitted to the KVM switches 3X and 3Y. If there is more than 9 bytes of data to be transmitted, the microcomputer 301A switches the SYNC (03h) and subsequent data, the SYNC (04h) and subsequent data, and the SYNC (04h) and subsequent data to the KVM switch. Send to 3X, 3Y. That is, when the data to be transmitted exceeds 8 bytes, the microcomputer 301A transmits the data to the KVM switches 3X and 3Y using a plurality of SYNCs (04h).

  When the microcomputers 301X and 301Y of the KVM switches 3X and 3Y receive SYNC (03h) and subsequent data, and SYNC (04h) and subsequent data (step S35), “ACK” of SyncACK (05h) is consoled. It transmits to the adapter 4 (step S36).

  The microcomputer 301A determines whether or not “ACK” of SyncACK (05h) has been received via the console adapter 4 (step S37). In the case of YES, it returns to step S33 and transmits the next data. On the other hand, in the case of NO, the microcomputer 301A times out at 76 ms (stops processing) (step S38), returns to step S34, and executes data retransmission.

  By the loop processing in steps S33 to S37, the microcomputer 301A of the KVM switch 3A transmits all internal setting data to the KVM switches 3X and 3Y belonging to other groups via the console adapter 4, and the internal of the KVM switches 3X and 3Y. The setting data can be synchronized with the internal setting data of the KVM switch 3A.

  The above processing is applied not only when the internal setting data of the KVM switch 3 is changed, but also when a predetermined operation is executed. For example, when the “ctrl” key and “S” key are input on the login screen, the microcomputer 301A of the KVM switch 3A stores all internal setting data (server name, user ID, user name, logout time, etc.) Is transmitted to the KVM switches 3X and 3Y via the console adapter 4, and the internal setting data of the KVM switches 3X and 3Y are synchronized with the internal setting data of the KVM switch 3A.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the microcomputer 401 of the console adapter 4. A symbol A is added to the KVM switches and microcomputers belonging to the first group, a symbol X is added to the KVM switches and microcomputers belonging to the second group, and a symbol Y is added to the KVM switches and microcomputers belonging to the third group. . The version of the console adapter 4 is “7xx”.

  The microcomputer 401 receives the SYNC (03h) and subsequent data, and the SYNC (04h) and subsequent data from the KVM switch 3A via the communication port 407, and establishes communication with other KVM switches. These data are transmitted to the port (step S41). In this case, if the communication ports 408 and 409 have established communication with the KVM switches 3X and 3Y, respectively, the microcomputer 401 communicates SYNC (03h) and subsequent data, and SYNC (04h) and subsequent data. The data is transmitted to the KVM switches 3X and 3Y via the ports 408 and 409.

  Next, the microcomputer 401 determines whether or not SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data are received from the communication port 408 and the communication port 409 (step S42). If YES in step S42, the microcomputer 401 transmits SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data to the KVM switch 3A via the communication port 407 (step S43).

  If NO in step S42, the microcomputer 401 receives SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data from the communication port 408, and whether the communication port 409 has established communication with the KVM switch 3Y or not. Is discriminated (step S44). If YES in step S44, the microcomputer 401 transmits SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data to the KVM switch 3A via the communication port 407 (step S45).

  If NO in step S44, the microcomputer 401 receives SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data from the communication port 408, and the communication port 409 has established communication with the KVM switch 3Y. It is determined whether or not SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data are received from 409 (step S46). If YES in step S46, the microcomputer 401 times out in 30 ms (stops processing) and returns to a data reception standby state (step S47). If NO in step S46, the process ends.

  In this process, the microcomputer 401 transmits data from the KVM switch 3A to the KVM switches 3X and 3Y, and transmits response response data (SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data) from the KVM switch 3X and 3Y to the KVM switch 3A. However, the present process is not limited to this. For example, the microcomputer 401 transmits data from the KVM switch 3X to the KVM switches 3A and 3Y, and transmits response response data (SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data) from the KVM switch 3A and 3Y to the KVM switch 3X. The microcomputer 401 transmits data from the KVM switch 3Y to the KVM switches 3A and 3X, and transmits response response data (SyncACK (05h) and subsequent data) from the KVM switch 3A and 3X to the KVM switch 3Y. In these cases, the communication port used in steps S42 to S46 is appropriately changed.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process for notifying the operation right of the server. This process is executed when the operation right of the server is changed. Here, it is assumed that the operation right of the server registered in the KVM switch 3A has been changed. A symbol A is added to the KVM switches and microcomputers belonging to the first group, a symbol X is added to the KVM switches and microcomputers belonging to the second group, and a symbol Y is added to the KVM switches and microcomputers belonging to the third group. .

  First, when the server operation right registered in the KVM switch 3A is changed, the microcomputer 301A of the KVM switch 3A causes the OpC (06h) in FIG. 6 and information on the server operation right (that is, the operation right in FIG. 7). Status, KVM switch identification number, user port number, and user ID) are transmitted to the KVM switches 3X and 3Y via the console adapter 4 (step S51).

  The microcomputer 401 of the console adapter 4 receives OpC (06h) and information regarding the operation right of the server from the microcomputer 301A of the KVM switch 3A, and stores them in the EEPROM 402 (step S52). The microcomputer 401 periodically transmits information on the server operation right stored in the EEPROM 402 to the KVM switches 3X and 3Y together with the status (06h) in FIG. 4 (step S53). As shown in the status column of FIG. 4 (that is, operation rights 1 to 3), the microcomputer 401 can transmit information regarding the server operation rights to the three KVM switches 3A, 3X, and 3Y. When the microcomputer 401 transmits information related to the server operation right to the KVM switches 3X and 3Y, the microcomputer 401 sets the bit indicating the operation right state of the first byte to 11, as shown in FIG. Information related to server operation rights is invalid data. As a result, information related to the server operation right is substantially not transmitted to the KVM switch 3A.

  The microcomputers 301X and 301Y of the KVM switches 3X and 3Y receive the status (06h) and information regarding the server operation right from the console adapter 4 (step S54), and receive the received information regarding the server operation right and the KVM switches 3X and 3Y. It is managed together with information related to the operation right of its own server (step S55).

  In this process, the operation right of the server registered in the KVM switch 3A is changed. However, when the operation right of the server registered in the KVM switch 3X is changed, the operation of the server in the KVM switch 3X is changed. Information about the right is transmitted to the KVM switches 3A and 3Y. Similarly, when the server operation right registered in the KVM switch 3Y is changed, information regarding the server operation right in the KVM switch 3Y is transmitted to the KVM switches 3A and 3X.

  According to this process, when the information regarding the operation right of the server registered in one KVM switch 3A is changed, the microcomputer 401 transmits the information regarding the changed operation right of the server 1 to the other KVM switch 3X. , 3Y. Therefore, the microcomputer 401 can assist a plurality of KVM switches to share information related to server operation rights.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the KVM switch 3 is connected to the plurality of communication ports 312 a to 312 n that can communicate with the plurality of server units 2 connected to the server 1 and the console 5. A plurality of communication ports 311a to 311n capable of communicating with a plurality of console adapters 4 and a microcomputer 301 for synchronizing internal setting data with internal setting data included in another KVM switch via at least one of the communication ports 312a to 312n. Each of the plurality of server units 2 can communicate with a plurality of KVM switches.

  Therefore, a plurality of KVM switches can operate like one KVM switch, and the number of consoles accessing the server via the plurality of KVM switches and the number of servers accessible by the console can be increased.

  Further, the microcomputer 301 can synchronize the internal setting data with the internal setting data included in the other KVM switch via at least one of the communication ports 311a to 311n. It is possible to communicate with the KVM switch.

  Therefore, a plurality of KVM switches can operate like one KVM switch, and the number of consoles accessing the server via the plurality of KVM switches and the number of servers accessible by the console can be increased.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the microcomputer 301 receives information (first information) about the operation right of the server 1 and information (second information) about the operation right of the server 1 registered in another KVM switch. Manage every one. Then, when the first information is changed, the microcomputer 301 transmits the changed first information to the other KVM switch via at least one of the communication ports 312a to 312n, and the second information is changed. In this case, the changed second information is received via at least one of the communication ports 312a to 312n.

  Therefore, information regarding the operation right of the server registered in each KVM switch can be shared between the own KVM switch and other KVM switches.

  When the first information is changed, the microcomputer 301 transmits the changed first information to another KVM switch via at least one of the communication ports 311a to 311n, and the second information is changed. In addition, the changed second information may be received via at least one of the communication ports 312a to 312n.

  The server unit 2 includes a plurality of communication ports 206 to 208 that can communicate with a plurality of KVM switches that are connected to the console 5 via the console adapter 4, and one of the communication ports 206 to 208 from one of the plurality of KVM switches. The internal setting data is received via the other KVM switch and transmitted to the other of the plurality of KVM switches, the response data for the internal setting data is received from the other KVM switch, and the response data is transmitted to the one KVM switch. And is connected between the server 1 and the plurality of KVM switches 3.

  Therefore, the server unit 2 can assist the synchronization of the plurality of KVM switches 3, and the number of consoles 5 that access the server 1 via the plurality of KVM switches 3 and the number of servers 1 that the console 5 can access are determined. Can be increased.

  Further, the console adapter 4 includes a plurality of communication ports 407 to 409 that can communicate with a plurality of KVM switches 3 connected to the server 1 via the server unit 2, and communication ports 407 to 409 from one of the plurality of KVM switches 3. The internal setting data is received through one of the plurality of KVM switches 3 and transmitted to the other of the plurality of KVM switches 3, and response data for the internal setting data is received from the other KVM switch, and the response data is sent to the one KVM switch. And is connected between the console 5 and the plurality of KVM switches 3.

  Therefore, the console adapter 4 can assist the synchronization of the plurality of KVM switches 3, and the number of consoles 5 that access the server 1 through the plurality of KVM switches 3 and the number of servers 1 that the console 5 can access are determined. Can be increased.

  The first communication means of claim 1 is, for example, communication ports 312a to 312n. The 2nd communication means of Claim 1 is communication ports 311a-311n, for example. Further, the synchronizing means of claim 1, the managing means of claim 3, the changing means of claim 5, and the setting means of claim 7 are, for example, the microcomputer 301. The control means of claim 6 is, for example, the microcomputer 301 and the OSD controllers 307a to 307n. The communication port of claim 8 is, for example, the communication ports 206 to 208, and the communication means is the microcomputer 201. The communication port of claim 10 is, for example, communication ports 407 to 409, and the communication means is the microcomputer 401.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

1 server, 2 server unit, 3 KVM switch, 4 console adapter, 5 console, 201 microcomputer, 202 EEPROM, 203 EDID storage unit, 204 selector, 205 rewrite unit, 206-208 communication port, 209 USB port, 210 PS / 2 port, 211 serial port, 212 video port, 301 microcomputer, 302 EEPROM, 303a to 303n video signal input unit, 304a to 304n video signal adjustment unit, 305, 310 matrix switch unit, 306a to 306n switch unit, 307a to 307n OSD Controller, 308a to 308n Video signal output unit, 309 Reference signal generator, 311a to 311n, 312a to 312n Communication port

Claims (11)

A plurality of first communication means capable of communicating with a plurality of communication units each connected to the information processing apparatus;
A plurality of second communication means capable of communicating with a plurality of communication adapters each connected to the console;
Synchronization means for synchronizing internal setting data with internal setting data included in another KVM switch via at least one of the plurality of first communication means,
Each of the plurality of communication units can communicate with the plurality of KVM switches. The synchronization means synchronizes internal setting data with internal setting data included in another KVM switch via at least one of the plurality of second communication means,
2. The KVM switch according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of communication adapters can communicate with the other KVM switch. Management means for managing, for each user, first information related to the operation right of the information processing device and second information related to the operation right of the information processing device registered in the other KVM switch,
When the first information is changed, the management means transmits the changed first information to the other KVM switch via at least one of the plurality of first communication means, and the second information 3. The KVM switch according to claim 1, wherein when the information is changed, the changed second information is received via at least one of the plurality of first communication means. 4.   When the first information is changed, the management means transmits the changed first information to another KVM switch belonging to the same group via at least one of the plurality of second communication means. 4. The KVM switch according to claim 3, wherein when the second information is changed, the changed second information is received via at least one of the plurality of second communication means. 5. Table data defining whether to permit transfer of the operation right of the information processing apparatus for the authority granted to each user,
The KVM switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a changing unit that changes contents of the table data.   The state information including the name of the information processing device selected by the user, the state of the user, and the status of other users accessing the selected information processing device is combined with the screen data from the selected information processing device. 6. The KVM switch according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that outputs screen data combined with the state information to a console used by the user.   The KVM switch according to claim 6, further comprising setting means for setting a display time of the state information and a display color of the state information. A plurality of communication ports capable of communicating with a plurality of KVM switches each connected to a console via a communication adapter;
Internal setting data is received from one of the plurality of KVM switches via one of the plurality of communication ports, transmitted to the other of the plurality of KVM switches, and a response to the internal setting data from the other KVM switch Communication means for receiving data and transmitting the response data to the one KVM switch,
A communication unit connected between an information processing apparatus and the plurality of KVM switches.   When the information regarding the operation right of the information processing apparatus registered in the one KVM switch is changed, the communication unit transmits the information regarding the changed operation right of the information processing apparatus to the other KVM switch. The communication unit according to claim 8, wherein the communication unit transmits the communication unit. A plurality of communication ports capable of communicating with a plurality of KVM switches connected to the information processing apparatuses via the communication unit;
Internal setting data is received from one of the plurality of KVM switches via one of the plurality of communication ports, transmitted to the other of the plurality of KVM switches, and a response to the internal setting data from the other KVM switch Communication means for receiving data and transmitting the response data to the one KVM switch,
A communication adapter connected between a console and the plurality of KVM switches. When the information regarding the operation right of the information processing apparatus registered in the one KVM switch is changed, the communication unit sends the information regarding the changed operation right of the information processing apparatus to the other KVM switch. The communication adapter according to claim 10, which transmits the communication adapter.

Images