Backplane architecture for a data server

Abstract

A media server for use in networks where media are transmitted in packet form comprises at least one card shelf containing at least one bus controller card, at least one other card such as a media processor card, and a backplane. The backplane includes a media bus group. Each packet has a routing header added to it. The data is optionally sent over a single media bus to a single card, or to a plurality of different cards. Framing information and clock pulse strings are passed to each card over the backplane. Each card is assigned an address, so that data sent from each card has a source address which is identified each time that card wishes to send data elsewhere. Also, data that is being addressed to each card will include the respective destination address of that card in its routing header. A failed card or bus can be sensed and isolated by the bus controller card, and packets will continue to be transmitted to the remaining cards over the remaining buses. In the case where a redundant bus controller is present, the redundant bus controller can detect errors, and take the active bus controller card out of service, and then become the active bus controller itself.