Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Balkar S Sidhu

Ramani Krishnamurthy

Victor E Jochiong

Kaamel M Kermaani

Truong T Nguyen

Diane S Lee

A system and method for providing switch redundancy in a computer network comprises two or more separate servers that are connected together to allow the servers to operate as one complete system that may continue to operate even in the event that one server becomes unable to provide switching functions. In one exemplary embodiment, the computer network includes two or more servers and a server bridging assembly. Two or more servers are interconnected via the server bridging assembly such that, in the event that a switch located in one of the servers fails, the switch located in the other server can be used to provide switching functions for both servers. As a result, the servers are interconnected to provide redundancy.

System and method for providing switch redundancy between two server systems

An interconnect system connects two drawers of a redundant computer system, wherein each drawer contains a redundant node of the computer system. A first signal source and a first signal preventer are operatively associated with a first drawer of the two drawers. A second signal source and a second signal preventer are operatively associated with a second drawer of the two drawers. Each of the two drawers has a connection interface that includes a plurality of terminals connected to a redundant node of the drawer. A redundant system may be provided by connecting the connection interfaces with a connector. The connecter is further configured to connect the first signal source to the second signal preventer, and the second signal source to the first signal preventer, thereby signaling each drawer that the computer system may be operated in a redundant mode. If the connector is disconnected, the connection between the first signal source and the second signal preventer, and between the second signal source and the first signal preventer, are also disconnected, thereby signaling each drawer that the computer system cannot be operated in a redundant mode.

System and method for interconnecting nodes of a redundant computer system

A system and method for remotely power cycling a peripheral subsystem. A host system to remotely control the power cycling of a peripheral subsystem, without the need to include or add any dedicated or special signals beyond those needed for the normal interface between the host system and peripheral subsystem. A peripheral subsystem according to the present invention includes circuitry that senses the presence of a downstream, running switching signal such as a clock line or any 'heart beat' type signal such as a clock pulse and initiates the power up event of the peripheral system. Conversely, the same circuitry also senses the absence of a downstream signal and initiates a power down event of the peripheral subsystem.

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

Balkar S Sidhu