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 to perform an edge protection function for 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 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 carrier may be provided for a modular computer system. The carrier may have a plurality of receiving locations. Each receiving location may be configured removably to receive at least one information processing module, and may be further configured to receive a dividing member. The dividing member can be operable to divide the receiving location into a plurality of receiving sub-locations. Each receiving sub-location can be operable to receive at least one information processing module.

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 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 configured to perform a privacy function with respect to a network traffic event. 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 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 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 housing is provided for a modular computer system. The housing comprises a face through which a first removable computer system module is receivable at a module receiving location. The housing also comprises a barrier movable between a first position wherein the barrier is operable to obstruct a flow of air through the module receiving location and a second position in which the computer system module is received in the module receiving location.

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: A modular computer system, for example a high density server system, includes an enclosure for receiving a number of computer system modules. A number of information processing modules, for example server blades, are receivable at a first face of the enclosure. A number of support modules of a first type, for example combined switch and service processor modules, and a number of support modules of a second type, for example power supply modules, are receivable at the second face of the enclosure. In order to provide cooling air to the first type of support modules, which are temperature sensitive, a plenum chamber provides a flow path for cooling air that bypasses the information processing modules. For the second type of support module, which is not as temperature sensitive, a flow path for cooling air is provided that passes through the information processing modules.

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: 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 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: There is provided a cooling fan drive circuit for driving a pair of cooling fans. The circuit comprises a first power supply line for providing a power connection to each of the fans from a first power source. The circuit further comprises a second power supply line for providing a power connection to the first fan; and a third power supply line for providing a power connection to the second fan. The second and third power supply lines are arranged, in use, to provide separate connections between the respective fans and a power source other than the first power source.

Abstract: An information processing module in the form of a blade server can communicate information signals with other modules of a modular computer system such as a high density server system under a selectable information protocol (for example Ethernet or Infrniband). The information processing module can include one or more information connections for communicating information signals. One ore more serializer/deserializers can be connected between the module processor(s) and the information connection(s). A selectable information protocol interface can be interconnected between the processors and the serializer/deserializer. A plurality of different information protocols can be used and be selectively connectable between the module processor(s) and the serializer/deserializer(s) using one or more multiplexer/demultiplexers.

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 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 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 power supply module is provided for a modular computer system. The module can have a housing. The housing may comprise a generally rectangular bottom face, two substantially parallel side faces, a generally rectangular outer face, a generally rectangular inner face and a top face. The top face can comprise a portion extending generally parallel to the bottom face and a portion sloped toward the bottom face.

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.