Abstract: A server blade may be provided. The server blade may comprise a processor and storage. The server blade can further comprise an enclosure that encloses said processor and storage. The server blade can be configured as a field replaceable unit.

Abstract: A server blade may comprise a processor. The server blade may additionally comprise a removable media interface device. The server blade can be configured as a field replaceable unit.

Abstract: A support module for a modular computer system can provide switching functions. Internal information signal interfaces can connect to information processing modules. First external information interfaces can connect to a first external information network under a first network protocol different to a network protocol used internally to the support module. A connector sub-module can be receivable the support module includes a protocol translator for translating between information protocols.

Abstract: A server blade may comprise a processor and a network interface. The network interface can be configured be connected to a network remote the server blade. The server blade may be configured detect a property of an entity connected to the network. The server blade may be further configured as a field replaceable unit. Optionally, the server blade may further comprise an enclosure which encloses the processor.

Abstract: A server blade may comprise a processor and a network interface. The network interface can be configured to be connected to a network remote to the server blade. The server blade may be configured to detect a malicious code occurrence in traffic on the network. The server blade may be further configured as a field replaceable unit. Optionally, the server blade may further comprise an enclosure which encloses the processor.

Abstract: A modular computer system is provided. The modular computer system may comprise a carrier which may comprise at least one power supply for providing power to the computer system, at least one switch for distributing information signals and at least one service processor for distributing management signals. The carrier may be configured to receive a plurality of removably mountable information processing modules, at least one information processing module may be configured to perform at least one network related function and at least one information processing module may be configured to perform at least one information related function.

Abstract: Network identities for components (e.g., server blades) of a multi-domain computer system (e.g., a server blade system) are stored in a connection framework (e.g., a carrier for the server blades) and copies thereof are stored in two or more support units (e.g., service processors for the carrier). These multiple copies can then be used to ensure the integrity of network identities that are allocated to the system units by the support units.

Abstract: A computer system is connectable to a network. The computer system includes a plurality of processing units, each of the processing units being provided with a respective network identity for communication with the network. At least one service processor is operable to allocate network identities to the processing units. A switch is provided for interconnecting the processing units to the network. The switch is operable to maintain a record of the network identities allocated to the processing units by the service processor and filters network access by each processing unit such that network access is blocked where a processing unit identity does not correspond to that held by the switch. By maintaining a record of the network identities allocated to the processing units by the service processor in the switch and filtering network access, access by a processing unit that has been changed or where its network identity has otherwise changed, can be prevented, maintaining the integrity of the network.

Abstract: An information processing module in the form of a blade server is provided for a modular computer system, for example a high density computer system. To enhance reliability, multiple redundant information connections are provided from the information. However to reduce the cost of providing such multiple redundant information connections, a common information protocol interface is shared between information connections. A common physical layer interface can also be shared between information connections. For example, switching logic can be provided between the common physical layer interface and the information connections. Alternatively, a common information protocol interface can be connected via switching logic to multiple physical layer interfaces (e.g., one per information connection).

Abstract: An information processing module, for example a server blade, has information connections and storage connections. A carrier, e.g., a rack mountable shelf, is configured to receive a number of information processing modules. A switch module includes a switch connection for each receiving location that is operable to connect a received information processing module to an external information network. The switch module also includes a port bypass controller for each receiving location that is operable to connect a received information processing module to external storage. Redundant connections are included to enhance reliability.

Abstract: A combined switch and service processor module is provided for a carrier. The carrier has a plurality of information processing module receiving locations each configured to receive a removably mountable information processing module. The combined switch and service processor comprises a switch portion operable to provide switching functions for a plurality of information processing modules. The combined switch and service processor module also comprises a service processor portion operable to provide management services in respect of said information processing modules.

Abstract: A rack mountable shelf supports a plurality of field replaceable units (FRUs) in the form of server cartridges, or blades, that each include a processor and a memory within an enclosure. The rack mountable shelf is configured to provide communal services for said server cartridges, including at least one of supplying DC operating power to the server cartridges, distributing information signals between the server cartridges and processing system management signals for the server cartridges. The communal services can also be provided by FRUs, for example with redundant power supply units and redundant combined switch/service processor units. A midplane within the shelf enables interconnection of the FRUs.

Abstract: A console concentrator is provided as an integral part of a modular computer system to provide access to consoles in the components of the system in a secure and flexible manner. For example, the console concentrator can provide a common point of access to respective consoles of a plurality of blades in blade server system. It can also provide access to consoles of, for example, a switch processor in the blade server system.

Abstract: An information processing module, for example a server blade, has information connections and storage connections. A carrier, e.g., a rack mountable shelf, is configured to receive a number of information processing modules. A switch module is operable to connect a received information processing module to an external information network. The switch includes an external storage connection operable under an external storage channel format, e.g., Fiber Channel. A protocol converter converts between information packets comprising packet format storage data (e.g., iSCSI format) received from an information processing module and signals in the external storage channel format. Redundant connections are included to enhance reliability.

Abstract: A modular computer system (e.g., a server blade system) includes a carrier (e.g., a rack mountable shelf) carrying a plurality of removably mountable information processing modules (e.g., server blades). Each information processing module can include a processor operable to provide information processing functions and a service controller operable to provide monitoring and system management functions. The carrier and the information processing modules can be interconnected by separate information and service management paths so that system management signals can be communicated independently of information signals. A combined switch and service processor module can be provided in the carrier. The switch and the service processor can be interconnected via a communications link for controlled information passage between a management network and the information processing modules via an information path.

Abstract: A server blade is provided which comprises a processor. The server blade additionally comprises an enclosure which encloses the processor. The server blade is configured as a field replaceable unit removably receivable in a carrier of a modular computer system, and is configured as an oversized unit to span more than one standard information processing module receiving location in the carrier.

Abstract: An information processing module includes a processor subsystem including a processor and memory. The information processing module is configured as a field replaceable unit blade server removably receivable in a carrier. Redundant external connections are provided for interconnection with the carrier. The external connections for carry information signals, management signals and power. The information processing module can be configured as a field replaceable blade server. The provision of a limited set of redundant connections provides for highly reliable interconnection between the information processing module and the carrier.

Abstract: A server system comprises a server blade carrier. The server blade carrier carries a plurality of removably mountable server blades. Each blade includes a blade service controller operable to perform monitoring and management functions in the server blade. The carrier comprises at least one carrier service processor. The carrier service processor is operably connected to the blade service controllers of blade servers mounted in the carrier to provide higher level management functions and is configured to communicate management functions to and from the blades.

Abstract: An information processing module forms a blade for a high density computer system. A processor is operable to perform information processing and an information signal interface is connected between the processor(s) and a module information signal connection. A service controller is operable to perform system management functions and is connected to a module management connection. Redundant sets of information and management signal connections can be provided. The information signal interface and the service controller provide a buffer between the processor of the information processing module and the remainder of the modular computer system enabling flexibility in the choice of processor and internal structure for the information processing module.

Abstract: A portable storage device, for example a secure smart card, contains network identification information and configuration information for a processing unit that is connectable to a data communications network, which processing unit includes a device reader for reading the portable storage device. The portable storage device includes storage and an access controller. The storage holds a network identity and configuration information for the processing unit and at least one encryption key. The access controller is operable to control access to the storage by implementing key-key encryption.