Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for assessing error over a communication link. The apparatus for assessing error is provided with a logic unit containing a plurality of modules configured to execute the necessary steps of creating one or more test packets, determining an amount of test packets to send over a communication link to a receiving node, sending a plurality of test packets over the communication link to a receiving node, interspersing test packets throughout a plurality of data packets such that the receiving node is able to continually process the data packets, and checking test packets received by the receiving node for errors.

Abstract: A redundant communication system and method for providing data communication between a first computing node and a second computing node. A transmitter is provided as part of the first computing node. A receiver is provided as part of the second computing node. A first signal line carries a first data signal. The first signal line electrically couples the transmitter with the receiver. A second signal line carries a second data signal redundant to the first signal. The second signal line electrically couples the transmitter with the receiver. The receiver evaluates the first data signal to determine the presence of an error and the second node uses the second data signal if an error is detected in the first data signal.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for automatically detecting a cable configuration. The apparatus for automatically detecting a cable configuration is provided with a logic unit containing a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of storing a unique cable identifier, reading the unique cable identifier stored by a storage module, and communicating cable configuration derived from the unique cable identifier to a remote configuration manager. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method will improve network reliability and significantly reduce configuration troubleshooting time. Additionally, such an apparatus, system, and method may be retrofitted into existing systems without prohibitively increasing costs or adversely affecting performance characteristics of the system.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing a cable system. The system includes a paddle card system that includes a card, and a circuit coupled to the card and configured to couple to a server system node. The circuit indicates when the card is properly seated when the card is plugged into the server system node. As a result, errors due to the paddle card system being improperly seated are minimized.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a cable in a server system. The system includes a first paddle card coupled to a first end of the cable and a first light emitting diode (LED) coupled to the first paddle card. The first LED turns on to facilitate a user in locating the first end of the cable. The system also includes a second paddle card coupled to a second end of the cable and a second LED coupled to the second paddle card. The second LED turns on to facilitate the user in locating the second end of the cable. As a result, the ends of the cable can be conveniently and reliably located in a server system having multiple identical cables.

Abstract: A data receiver circuit in a receiving chip provides the capability to characterize an interface, which includes one or more inter-chip communication lines, between a transmitting chip and the receiving chip by transmitting the data across a primary data path and a secondary data path, latching the data in the secondary data path using a clock signal that is skewed relative to a clock signal used to latch the primary data path, comparing the data latched from the primary and secondary data paths, and recording errors. Because the primary data path is not impacted by the test cycle, the test cycle may be run while data associated with applications running on the system are transmitted across the inter-chip communication lines.

Abstract: A data processing system suitable for use in a scalable system, including a first set of processors, a first system memory, and scalability logic to connect the data processing system to a second data processing system to form a scaled system. A set of scalability ports are connected to the scalability logic to receive scalability cables connecting the first system to the second system or to another processor board within the same chassis. The system includes system management to cause each of the system's scalability ports to issue an identifiable signal. System management also detects the reception of an identifiable signal, sent by another system, received by any of the scalability ports and reports the reception of the signal to a system management of the second system to determine which ports of the two systems are connected by the cable.