Abstract:
A computer-implemented method of coupling a user interface device (UID) with a system device. The UID and system device are coupled with heterogeneous UID switches. The method includes providing a switch command server (SCS), which is in electronic communication with UID switches. The method also includes receiving at the SCS a switch/location agnostic connectivity indication (SLACI), which indicates a desire to provide a complete data path between the UID and system device. The method further includes performing protocol negotiation, using the SCS and SLACI to ascertain at least one available data path between the UID and system device. The method additionally includes formulating switch commands, which instruct the UID switches to connect the UID and system device to form the complete data path. The method yet further includes transmitting switch commands from the SCS to the UID switches, thereby causing UID switches to connect the UID with the system device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     Progress in technology combined with lowering cost have proliferated the usage of multiple system devices by a single user. Modern society&#39;s want for increased efficiency has resulted in the development of a keyboard, video monitor, and mouse (KVM) switch that enables the user to control a plurality of system devices (e.g., computers, servers, power supply units, etc.) from a singular location.  
         [0002]     In an example, a user has two computers, which the user wants to control through a single console (i.e., a keyboard, video monitor, and/or mouse). The user is able to operate either computer by connecting the console and the two computers to the KVM switch.  
         [0003]     Similarly, KVM switches may be employed in an enterprise environment. Consider the situation wherein, for example, a company with several departments. Each department may have servers from which one or more users may need access. To enable these servers to be shared among a plurality of users, KVM switches may be implemented. To facilitate discussion,  FIG. 1  shows a company with three departments ( 100 ,  102 , and  104 ). Each department may have a plurality of users ( 100   a ,  102   a , and  104   a , respectively) who may need access to a plurality of servers ( 100   b ,  102   b , and  104   b , respectively). By employing KVM switches ( 100   c ,  102   c , and  104   c , respectively), a user may be able to access each server from his console.  
         [0004]     The aforementioned example (i.e.,  FIG. 1 ) is a simple enterprise example; however, KVM switches are typically used in a data center environment wherein thousands of servers may be interconnected. To connect the servers, a plurality of KVM switches may have to be daisy-chained together to form a network. Generally, a KVM switch may support 2 to 64 input ports; thus, the number of KVM switches may depend upon the number of ports supported by a KVM switch.  
         [0005]     KVM switches may be managed by three main methods: pressing a button on the KVM switch, using keyboard commands, and assessing on-screen displays (OSDs). In the first method, a user has to manually press a button on the KVM switch to access a server. Although this method may be feasible in simple server or desktop environments, this method is highly inefficient in a larger enterprise environment, such as a data center, where servers may occupy a building the size of a football stadium.  
         [0006]     In the second method, keyboard commands (e.g., pressing function keys, an escape key, an enter key, etc.) may be utilized to control KVM switches. The user may enter separate keyboard commands to initialize a KVM switch and to connect to a server. To establish a data path connectivity to the server, the user may have the repetitive task of continually entering keyboard commands in order to move from one KVM switch/server to another. As discussed herein, data path connectivity refers to the process of establishing a connection from a console to a server through one or more KVM switches. The user may find this method tedious if a large number of KVM switches are interposed between the user&#39;s console and the target server. The repetitive task of manually entering the keyboard commands may be time-consuming and prone to human errors.  
         [0007]     In the third method, KVM switches may be accessible through an on-screen display (OSD), which is a DOS-like screen listing the servers connected to the KVM switch. The user may enter separate keyboard commands to initialize the KVM switch and to activate the OSD. Since the OSD may limit the server names displayed, a user may either have to page-down or type in a server name to select and connect to the server. If multiple KVM switches are interposed between the user&#39;s console and the target server, the user may have the onerous task of repeating this process until the user is connected to the target server. Similar to the second method, this task may be time-consuming and prone to human errors.  
         [0008]     If a user operates within a homogeneous switch environment, the disadvantages in the aforementioned methods of managing KVM switches may be alleviated wherein the task of establishing the data path connectivity to the target server is simplified. As discussed herein, a homogeneous switch environment refers to an environment in which KVM switches employed by a company are of the same brand, make, and model (e.g., Avocent AV200 KVM Switch). Since the KVM switches share the same command protocol structures, the operating systems of the KVM switches are able to communicate with one another to establish a data path connectivity through any available KVM switch.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  shows an example of a homogeneous KVM switch environment. Five groups of servers ( 202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c ,  202   d , and  202   e ) are connected to a group of consoles ( 210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c ,  210   d ,  210   e , and  210   f ) via a plurality of KVM switches ( 204   a ,  204   b ,  204   c ,  204   d ,  204   e ,  206   a ,  206   b ,  206   c ,  208   a  and  208   b ).  
         [0010]     In an example, the user may enter keyboard commands to initialize KVM switch  208   b  and to select target group of servers (GOS)  202   d . By executing the keyboard commands, KVM switch  208   b  sends the request to the target server or to the next available KVM switch. Since KVM switch  208   b  is not directly connected to GOS  202   d , the signal is forwarded to KVM switch  206   c . Upon receiving the signal, KVM switch  206   c  forwards the signal to KVM switch  204   d  since target GOS  202   d  is not directly connected to KVM switch  206   c . As KVM switch  204   d  is directly connected to target GOS  202   d , a connection is made between console  210   f  and GOS  202   d.    
         [0011]     However, a heterogeneous switch environment may be more prevalent in today&#39;s acquisition and merger enterprise environment. As discussed herein, a heterogeneous switch environment refers to an environment in which one or more KVM switches employed by a company are of different brands, makes, and/or models. Note that heterogeneous switch environment may include homogeneous switches. As distinct command protocols (i.e., communication syntaxes which KVM switches use to send switch command signals from a console) may exist for heterogeneous KVM switches, the operating systems of the KVM switches may be incommunicable with one another in order to establish data path connectivity by executing a single command.  
         [0012]      FIG. 3A  shows a heterogeneous KVM switch environment. A KVM switch  302  is connected to KVM switches  304  and  306 ; connected to KVM switch  302 , via KVM switch  304 , are KVM switches  308  and  310 . A group of servers (GOS) 312  and consoles  314   a ,  314   b , and  314   c  are connected to KVM switch  302 . Connected to KVM switch  304  are a console  316  and a GOS  318 . Also connected to KVM switch  306  is a GOS  320 . Attached to KVM switches  308  and  310  are a GOS  322  and a GOS  324 , respectively.  
         [0013]      FIG. 3B  represents a flowchart outlining the steps establishing data path connectivity in a heterogeneous switch environment.  FIG. 3B  will be discussed relative to  FIG. 3A . Consider the situation wherein, for example, a user at console  314   c  wants to connect to GOS  322 . Unless the user knows the data path to establish connectivity, the user may have to employ a trial-and-error method (i.e., randomly selecting a server) at each KVM switch in order to determine the appropriate data path. Since the data path establishing connectivity between the two include three heterogeneous KVM switches ( 302 ,  304 , and  308 ), the operating systems of the KVM switches may be incommunicable forcing the user to remember, repeat, and use multiple command structures at each KVM switch ( 302 ,  204 , and  208 ).  
         [0014]     Keyboard based switch commands (i.e., a first set of command protocols) may be entered by the user at console  314   c  to initialize KVM switch  302 , which is not directly connected to GOS  322  (steps  352  and  354 ). The OSD appears with a list of available server ports that are connected to KVM switch  302  (step  356 ), wherein the user may either page-down through the list or type in the server name (step  358 ). In order to determine the next KVM switch along the data path, the user may select/highlight a server port (step  360 ) by employing a trial-and-error method. Once a server port has been selected, the user may press the enter key (step  362 ) which may shut down the OSD (step  364 ) and may execute the switch command protocol enabling the user access to the new server or groups of server ports (step  366 ) at the next KVM switch using the next switch command protocol.  
         [0015]     However, if the new server is not located within the same GOS or along the same data path as KVM switches  302 ,  304 , and  308  (step  368 ), the user may have to return to the previous KVM switch (e.g. KVM switch  302 ) to repeat the process until successfully connecting to the next target server (i.e., GOS  318 ) is established (step  370 ). From GOS  318 , the user may employ a second set of command protocols to connect to the next KVM switch (i.e., KVM switch  308 ). Steps  352  to  366  are repeated at KVM switches  304  and  308  until the user reaches the group of server ports at which the target server (GOS  322 ) resides. In the above example, three different command protocols are employed before the user is connected to GOS  322  (step  370 ).  
         [0016]     There are several disadvantages associated with a heterogeneous KVM switch environment. For example, since the operating systems of heterogeneous KVM switches are incommunicable with one another, the user may have to spend more time to establish data path connectivity between the KVM switches. Further, while establishing the data path connectivity, the user may be required to authenticate (e.g., user name, password, etc.) at each KVM switch. For some users, this process may become repetitive and tedious, especially in a larger enterprise environment.  
         [0017]     Another disadvantage exists when a user requests unauthorized access to certain servers on a KVM switch. Since not all KVM switch employs an authentication module, the user may be able to connect to all unprotected servers on the KVM switch.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0018]     These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures.  
         [0019]     The invention relates, in an embodiment, to a computer-implemented method of coupling a user interface device (UID) with a system device. The UID and the system device are coupled with a set of heterogeneous user interface device (UID) switches. The method includes providing a switch command server (SCS). The switch command server is in electronic communication with the set of UID switches. The method also includes receiving at the SCS a switch/location agnostic connectivity indication (SLACI). The SLACI is generic with respect to switch-specific command syntax. The SLACI is received from a SLACI-origination device that is location agnostic with respect to the UID switch. Also, the SLACI indicates an identity of the UID and an identity of the system device. The SLACI further indicates a desire to provide a complete data path between the UID and the system device. The method further includes performing protocol negotiation, using the SCS and the SLACI to ascertain at least one available data path between the UID and the system device. The method additionally includes formulating, using the SCS, a set of switch commands. The set of switch commands being configured to instruct the set of UID switches to connect the UID and the system device along the available data path to form the complete data path. The method yet further includes transmitting the set of switch commands from the SCS to the set of UID switches, thereby causing the set of UID switches to connect, upon executing the set of switch commands, the UID with the system device.  
         [0020]     In another embodiment, the invention relates to an arrangement for coupling a user interface devices (UID) with a system device. The UID and the system device are coupled with a set of heterogeneous user interface device (UID) switches. The arrangement includes a set of protocol modules associated with the set of UID switches. Individual one of the set of protocol modules includes switch-specific information that is specific to respective one of the set of UID switches. The arrangement also includes a switch command server (SCS). The switch command server is in electronic communication with the set of UID switches. The SCS is configured to generate, responsive to a receipt of a switch/location agnostic connectivity indication (SLACI), a set of switch commands using switch-specific information associated with a first subset of UID switches located along an available data path between the UID and the system device. The SCS is further configured to transmit the set of switch commands to the first subset of UID switches to cause the subset of UID switches to create a complete data path between the system device and the UID. The SLACI is generic with respect to switch-specific command syntax. Also, the SLACI is received from a SLACI-origination device that is location agnostic with respect to the UID switch. Further, the SLACI indicates at least an identity of the UID and an identity of the system device. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]     The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:  
         [0022]      FIG. 1  shows an example of a simple enterprise switch environment.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  shows an example of a homogeneous KVM switch environment.  
         [0024]      FIG. 3A  shows an example of a heterogeneous KVM switch environment.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3B  represents a flowchart outlining the steps establishing data path connectivity in a heterogeneous switch environment.  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  shows, in an embodiment, a MNMOS that is superimposed on a heterogeneous UID switch environment.  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  illustrates, in an embodiment, an example of desktop switching.  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  shows, in an embodiment, a protocol module.  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  shows, in an embodiment, a flowchart outlining the steps for collecting the pertinent data used in the network discovery process.  
         [0030]      FIG. 8  shows, in an embodiment, an authentication module.  
         [0031]      FIG. 9A  shows, in an embodiment, a simplified flow chart representing the steps for handling a manual third party switching.  
         [0032]      FIG. 9B  shows, in an embodiment, a simplified flow chart representing the steps for handling an automatic third party switching.  
         [0033]      FIG. 10  shows, in an embodiment, a simplified flow chart representing the steps enabling group switching.  
         [0034]      FIG. 11  shows, in an embodiment, a flowchart illustrating how a local, remote, or automated operator&#39;s request may be managed in a MNMOS arrangement. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS  
       [0035]     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.  
         [0036]     Various embodiments are described hereinbelow, including methods and techniques. It should be kept in mind that the invention might also cover articles of manufacture that includes a computer readable medium on which computer-readable instructions for carrying out embodiments of the inventive technique are stored. The computer readable medium may include, for example, semiconductor, magnetic, opto-magnetic, optical, or other forms of computer readable medium for storing computer readable code. Further, the invention may also cover apparatuses for practicing embodiments of the invention. Such apparatus may include circuits, dedicated and/or programmable, to carry out tasks pertaining to embodiments of the invention. Examples of such apparatus include a general-purpose computer and/or a dedicated computing device when appropriately programmed and may include a combination of a computer/computing device and dedicated/programmable circuits adapted for the various tasks pertaining to embodiments of the invention.  
         [0037]     In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an architectural arrangement in which a maintenance network management operating system (MNMOS) provides a user-friendly, remote, third party management network system designed to integrate dissimilar infrastructure technologies (e.g., user interface device switches, AC power, environmental sensors, data acquisition, video over IP, etc.) under a single application. Further, the MNMOS includes a database and user interface system that integrates the management of multiple heterogeneous products for a single point of access, management and control.  
         [0038]     In an embodiment, the MNMOS is designed around a modular structure including a main shell, a database, and product specific modules that may define communication and commands for any number of remotely managed products and technologies. Further, the MNMOS may provide internal communication with the database and product specific modules that may define and translate commands sent to external hardware device. In an embodiment, the communication methods used to enable the MNMOS to provide a seamless network may include direct serial and TCP/IP network connections.  
         [0039]     It should be noted that it is not a requirement that the MNMOS replaces the terminal on-screen display or keyboard hot-key methods of controlling a switch system. Instead, the MNMOS, in an embodiment, may consolidate control and management of multiple heterogeneous switching devices in various locations under a common user interface. In this manner, the MNMOS allows local, remote, and automated operators to activate switching functions that would normally be managed only at the controlling output port of a respective and/or compatible switch. In other words, the MNMOS may utilize the communication service port to provide the human operator greater operational control of input/output (I/O) ports across a heterogeneous user interface device (UID) switch environment. As discussed herein, a heterogeneous UID switch environment refers to an environment in which one or more UID switches employed by a company are of different brands, makes, and/or models. Note that heterogeneous switch environment may include homogeneous switches.  
         [0040]     As discussed herein, UID switches refer to switches that form a connection (either hardwired, in combination with other UID switches, or via a network such as an IP network) between a UID (e.g., monitor, keyboard, mouse, trackball, etc.) and a system device to allow data to be transmitted between the UID and the system device. An example of a UID switch may include, but is not limited to, a KVM switch. Examples of system devices may include, but are not limited to, computers, servers, and power supply units.  
         [0041]     In this document, various implementations may be discussed using UID switches as an example. This invention, however, is not limited to UID switches and may be employed with any device that supports remote switching and/or data acquisition including, but is not limited to, remote power devices, environmental and other data sensors, video over IP cameras, analog and digital keyboard-video-mouse switches, hybrids, and console servers.  
         [0042]     For illustration purposes, consider for example, the heterogeneous UID switch environment situation. In the prior art, a human operator employs a trial-and-error method to determine data path connectivity by entering multiple UID switch commands. The situation may result in user frustration, particularly if the human operator operates in a large enterprise environment.  
         [0043]     The MNMOS includes a switch command server (SCS). As discussed herein, a SCS refers to hardware, software, and/or firmware that may be “in electronic communication” with the UID switches in that the SCS can communicate with and issue command to the UID switches, either directly or through protocol modules. In an embodiment, the SCS may provide the main user interface, advanced switching control methods as well as external communication with the other MNMOS modules and hardware devices. In other words, the SCS may manage outward and incoming requests for connectivity between a user interface device (UID) and a system device.  
         [0044]     In an embodiment, the SCS may provide a user interface that enables desktop switching. Desktop switching refers to a method by which a human operator at a UID may perform a switch/location agnostic connectivity indication (SLACI) to establish connectivity between his UID and a specific system device. Desktop switching may further encapsulate a method of organizing a plurality of switches, system devices, and UIDs with a plurality of remote access methods under a common user interface.  
         [0045]     As discussed herein, SLACI refers to a human-provided or machine-provided command or set of commands (i.e., one or more commands) to the SCS to connect a UID to a system device via a set of UID switches (i.e., one or more UID switches), or a set of UIDs (i.e., one or more UIDs) to a set of system devices (i.e., one or more system devices) via a set of UID switches. If the SLACI is human-originated, the SLACI may involve any user action that indicates the identity of the UID and the identity of the system device, along with an indication of a desire to connect the UID and the system device. Examples of such user action may include drag-and-drop, double-clicking, key-clicking, and hot key clicking. Refer to Table 2 for further details about these user actions.  
         [0046]     In the case of a human-provided SLACI, the human-provided SLACI may be received via a SLACI-originating device, which may be a console that is under control by a user or a third-party administrator. If the SLACI is machine-provided, the SLACI may originate from a software, firmware, and/or hardware located anywhere on the network (i.e., not required to be part of the UID switch to be controlled) in response to a triggering condition, for example.  
         [0047]     Furthermore, the SLACI is switch agnostic in the sense that the SLACI is generic with respect to the command syntax of any particular UID switch. Accordingly, the user may not need to change syntax of the SLACI when different switches are employed in the network. Thus, the user may be insulated from having to learn the specifics of a UID switch (since the specifics of any given UID switch is encapsulated in the protocol module, in an embodiment).  
         [0048]     Additionally, the SLACI is location agnostic in the sense that the SLACI-originating device, whether a console to receive a human-provided SLACI or a module to generate a machine-provided SLACI, may be located anywhere on the network as long as the SLACI can be received by the SCS.  
         [0049]     To further elaborate, consider the situation wherein, a user wants to connect a UID to a system device. In the prior art, the process may require multiple user actions to achieve accessibility via OSD menus and/or keyboard commands. Further, if the user&#39;s UID is a remote IP UID, additional user actions may be required to open a browser and to locate an access point. With desktop switching, a user may employ a SLACI to connect a UID to a system device.  
         [0050]     Unlike the prior art, the action steps to connect the two devices may be handled behind-the-scene by the SCS. The user no longer has to employ a trial-and-error method to establish data path connectivity. Instead, the SCS may employ advanced switching control methods as well as external communication with the hardware devices to establish data path connectivity.  
         [0051]     In an embodiment, the SCS may manage the data path connectivity by performing network discovery. As discussed herein, network discovery refers to a data acquisition process, which may involve identifying the devices (e.g., servers, consoles, UID switches, etc.) that may be on the network. Further, network discovery may determine hardware presence, data path types, their existence and availability in addition to data acquisition task.  
         [0052]     Network discovery of data paths may use data from internal and/or external sources. To perform network discovery, the SCS may maintain an internal database that may include, but is not limited to, data on the I/O devices, the device types, the location of each device, the internal backbone structures of the switches, the internal-external connections between the devices and/or switches, and the current state of the internal-external connections. An external source of data may include, but is not limited to, data from SLACI.  
         [0053]     The SCS may further manage the data path connectivity by performing protocol negotiations. As discussed herein, protocol negotiations refer to the process of determining the hardware devices that need to be switched (for routing a system device to a display device), querying the respective product libraries to obtain the appropriate switch command structures, using network discovery to determine data path existence, their types, and availability, building the individual switch commands and sending these commands to each switch device in order to align communication and control of a system device to a display device. Also as discussed herein, an available data path refers to a data path that may permit data to be transmitted between a UID and a system device if the UID switches in between connects the UID to the system device.  
         [0054]     In an embodiment, a protocol module attached to the SCS may enable the SCS to perforn protocol negotiations. As discussed herein, a protocol module refers to a software, firmware, or hardware construct (e.g., library) that holds data specific to a switch. Thus, the number of protocol modules attached to the SCS may depend upon the number of diverse switches employed in the network. In an example, if there are five different switches (i.e., has different brand, make, or model), five possible protocol modules may exist.  
         [0055]     The data for the protocol module, in an embodiment, may include the brand, make, and model of a UID switch. Also, the protocol module may include, but is not limited to, communication method (e.g., analog, KVMoIP, PCI KVMoIP, console server, etc.), type of ID (e.g., binary, IP address, user name, etc.), method of initializing the UID switch, I/O string, authentication method, acceptable actions, command structures, and port information.  
         [0056]     To illustrate how a local, remote, or automated operator&#39;s request may be managed in the MNMOS arrangement, consider the situation wherein, for example, a user wants to connect his UID to a system device. By using desktop switching, the user may employ a SLACI to send a request for connectivity. Upon receiving the signal, the SCS may start establishing data path connectivity.  
         [0057]     As part of executing switch commands, the SCS may verify security, data path existence, and data path availability. Since the devices in the network may have already been associated with specific data stored on the SCS, the SCS may use internal network discovery to determine data path existence and availability. In other words, the SCS may analyze if and what communication path exists between devices, including devices connected to heterogeneous switches. This is in contrast with the prior art, whereas data about switch devices tends to be limited to the knowledge held by the operating system of a specific switch. Feedback may be provided to the operator if no data path exists or the data path is unavailable.  
         [0058]     The SCS may also validate a user&#39;s access rights. In an embodiment, the SCS may employ an authentication module to perform the verification. As discussed herein, an authentication module refers to a database that includes user specific information including user&#39;s access rights. By using the authentication module, the SCS may provide the necessary authentication data at each switch. Further, the authentication module may provide security for switches that may not have authentication capability. Feedback may be provided to the operator if authentication fails.  
         [0059]     Once verification has been completed, the SCS may assemble switch command(s) by applying the command structures/protocols stored in the protocol module(s) along with data previously collected or retained through network discovery. Then, the SCS may execute, in a sequential manner, the switch command(s) at the various switches in the data path. Once all switch commands have been properly assembled, validated and executed, a complete data path may be established. As discussed herein, a complete data path refers to the data path that exists after the UID switches make the connection.  
         [0060]     In another embodiment, the MNMOS may also provide for group switching. As discussed herein, group switching refers to the process of employing a SLACI to connect a group of UIDs (i.e., two or more UIDs) to a group of system devices (i.e., two or more system devices). In the prior art, certain UID switches may allow a fixed set of system device ports to be switched as a group. The systems device ports may be physically bound in a fixed order; thus, an internal operating system may switch a fixed order of system device ports to a fixed order of an equal number of UID device ports. The human operator tends to have limited control over the order in which system devices are switched to UIDs. To change the order, the human operator may have to physically change the order of system devices on the UID switch.  
         [0061]     Unlike the prior art, group switching is not limited by hardware capability of the UID switches. Instead, group switching may be employed to switch a plurality of system devices to a plurality of UIDs regardless of the hardware capability of the UID switches. An embodiment of the invention allows the human operator to dynamically arrange the order in which system devices are switched to UIDs, add and/or remove components of the group, and store multiple group profiles that can be utilized at any time. Hence, a human operator may create multiple groups of system devices where each system device may reside on one or more (homogeneous or heterogeneous) UID switches/locations. Also, the human operator may create multiple groups of UIDs where each UID may reside on one or more UID switches/locations.  
         [0062]     In group switching, when a switch command structure is assembled to execute operations on multiple components of the same switch, the procedure may be executed in a loop until the last switch command is assembled and executed. In an example, a user wants to connect a group of two UIDs with a group of two system devices. Two UID switches are located on the data paths between the two devices. Hence, to enable connection, switch commands may be performed multiple times at each of the UID switches.  
         [0063]     In yet another embodiment, the MNMOS may provide for third party switching. As discussed herein, third party switching refers to the process of connecting a UID to a system device in which the action is initiated by a third party. In other word, the human/machine operator making the request for connectivity may be employing a SLACI to establish connectivity between another user&#39;s UID and a specific system device.  
         [0064]     Third party switching may be performed manually (e.g., drag-and-drop switching, double click switching, key-click switching, or hot key switching). Additionally, third party switching may be performed automatically based on an operator-defined profile stored in the MNMOS and/or its associated modules. As discussed herein, profile refers to instructions for automatically executing a switch commands based on time, network events, and user scripts.  
         [0065]     In yet another embodiment, the MNMOS may provide for remote user access. As discussed herein, remote user refers to an operator who may not be hardwired to UID switches and may request connectivity via an IP connection. This is in contrast to a local user who may be hardwired to UID switches. Since communication methods employed by the MNMOS may include TCP/IP network, remote user may be able to work from anywhere in the world and still may be able to access digital and analog switch environments. In an example, a remote user residing in Hong Kong requests for a connection with a system device located in New York. In the prior art, the remote user may have to open a browser, point to an IP access point, and use a trial-and-error method to establish a data path at each UID switch. Unlike the prior art, the SCS may perform these functions by allowing a user to open a user browser, connecting to and passing log-in data to an available IP access point while aligning data paths between the UID switches. With MNMOS, geographical limitations may be eliminated.  
         [0066]     The features and advantages of embodiments of the invention may be better understood with reference to the figures and discussions that follow.  FIG. 4  shows, in an embodiment, a MNMOS that is superimposed on a heterogeneous UID switch environment. The heterogeneous switch environment includes a UID switch  402  connected to UID switches  404  and  406 , and UID switch  402  is also connected to UID switches  408  and  410  via UID switch  404 . Further, a group of system devices (GOSD)  412  and UIDs  414   a ,  414   b , and  414   c  are connected to UID switch  402 . Also, a UID  416  and a GOSD  418  are connected to UID switch  404  and a GOSD  420  is connected to UID switch  406 . In addition, GOSDs  422  and  424  are attached to UID switches  408  and  410 , respectively. The MNMOS may include a SCS  450 , protocol modules ( 452 ,  453 , and  454 ), an authentication module  456 , a desktop switching module  458 , and a third party switching module  460 .  
         [0067]     Consider the situation wherein, for example, a user at UID  414   c  may want to connect to GOSD  422 . By employing desktop switching module  458 , the user may connect from UID  414   c  to GOSD  422  by performing a SLACI to request for data path connectivity.  
         [0068]      FIG. 5  illustrates, in an embodiment, an example of desktop switching. User at UID  414   c  may have a user interface  500  that may include three panels ( 502 ,  504 , and  506 ). Panel  502  may show a tree-like structure with a plurality of types and physical locations of UIDs and system devices. The available UIDs may be clustered in the upper right window (panel  504 ) and the available system devices may be clustered in the lower right window (panel  506 ). In an example, the user at UID  414   c  may request connectivity by dragging a system device in panel  506  (i.e., GOSD  422 ) to his UID in panel  504  (i.e., UID  414   c ). Depending on administrator and users option settings, the same commands may be executed by reversing the drag and drop action.  
         [0069]     Referring back to the example in  FIG. 4 , once the user has completed the user action to create the connectivity, no additional user interaction may be needed. Unlike the prior art, SCS  450  may perform advanced switching control logic, in an embodiment, to establish data path connectivity. The SCS may manage the data path connectivity by continuously performing data path management and protocol negotiations.  
         [0070]     In an embodiment, protocol modules ( 452 ,  453 , and  454 ) attached to SCS  450  may enable SCS  450  to perform protocol negotiations. Protocol modules ( 452 ,  453 , and  454 ) are optional modules. Generally, the number of protocol modules attached to the SCS may vary depending upon the number of heterogeneous switches.  
         [0071]      FIG. 6  shows, in an embodiment, a protocol module. The protocol module may include some basic information about a UID switch, such as vendor, model, type, communication type, ID type, and ports. More details are provided in Table 1 below. In addition, the protocol module may also include data that may be employed to formulate the command structure for the switch. In an example, the command structures may include initialization data (i.e., keyboard commands), I/O string data, and actions. As discussed herein, actions refer to a list of acceptable actions that a UID switch may perform.  
                             TABLE 1                           Basic Information for Protocol Module            Name   Description   Examples               Vendor   Name of the   Avocent, Raritan, Cybex, Belkin           manufacturer       Model   The model name   8 × 32, 16 × 64       Type   Communication   analog, kvm/ip hybrid, PCI           methodology   KVM/IP, or console serve       Communication   Method for   serial, IP, ASCII commands       type   communicating with   over IP           other devices       ID Type   Data about the   binary, IP address, user name           structure of a           command stream       Ports   Data about the ports   number of ports, port Ids,           on the UID switch   port address       Data   Component details   Serial numbers, part numbers,       Acquisition       current state, status and               testing information of internal               components       Data Path   Connectivity   Testing the correct and valid       Testing   Validation   state of internal and external               components of the UID switch               hardware like wiring, proper               interconnectivity and communi-               cation paths between UID switch               hardware                    
         [0072]     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , SCS  450  may further manage data path connectivity by performing network discovery, in an embodiment. To enable network discovery, SCS  450  may maintain a database that may include, but is not limited to, data on the I/O devices, the device types, the location of each device, the internal backbone structures of the switches, the internal-external connections between the devices and/or switches, and/or the current state of the internal-external connections.  
         [0073]      FIG. 7  shows, in an embodiment, a flowchart outlining the steps for collecting the pertinent data used in the network discovery process. The administrator may start the process (step  702 ) by setting a discovery range (e.g., want to find all of the Raritan products). The SCS may then gather the various command structures from the protocol modules (step  704 ). The command structures may be sent (step  706 ) to retrieve information from each UID switch and server (step  708 ). The information collected from the UID switches and servers may be appended to a database ( 710 ) stored by the SCS or other modules. Alternatively, if the information is readily available, the administrator may upload the information to the database.  
         [0074]     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , prior to executing switch commands, SCS  450  may verify security by using authentication module  456 , in an embodiment. By using authentication module  456 , SCS  450  may provide the necessary authentication data at each switch. Further, authentication module  456  may provide security for switches that may not have authentication capability and interact with existing external security services.  
         [0075]      FIG. 8  shows, in an embodiment, an authentication module. Authentication may occur through three methods: an external authentication method  802 , an internal authentication method  804 , and a switch authentication method  806 . Consider the situation wherein, for example, a user wants to connect to a system device. To connect to a UID switch, the SCS may first apply external authentication method  802  (e.g., L-Dap, radius or Active directory, etc.). However, if an external authentication method is not applicable, then the SCS may apply internal authentication method  804  (i.e., preset options as determined by an administrator). If neither external nor internal authentication methods exist, then the SCS may apply switch authentication method  806  (e.g., authentication specific to a switch). Note that any switch authentication method may be applied before other authentication method.  
         [0076]     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , the MNMNOS may also provide for third party switching module  460 , in an embodiment. Third party switching may be performed manually (e.g., drag-and-drop switching, double click switching, key-click switching, or hot key switching) or automatically (e.g., time switching, event switching, or echo switching) by a third party. Refer to Table 2 below for descriptions of the various third party switching methods. Generally, with the automatic third party switching approach, the SCS may access profiles (e.g., instructions for performing a switch) that a user may have previously set up.  
                             TABLE 2                           Third-Party Switching            Approach   Method   Description               Manual   Drag-and-drop   Drag a system device to a user interface               device using a computer pointing device,               which may include mouse, track pad, track               ball, etc. . . .       Manual   Double clicking   Click twice on a system device or a UID       Manual   Key click   Select a user interface device, presses               a key modifier, and then selects a               system device       Manual   Hot key   Preset keys to give commands for               selecting a system device       Automatic   Time   Switching occurs at a specific time       Automatic   Event   Switching occurs due to a specific event       Automatic   Echo   Switching occurs to an administrator user               interface device when a sensitive system               device is accessed       Automatic   Sequenced   Switching occurs in a specific sequence               of server ports at specified intervals       Automatic   User Scripts   Switching occurs due to user defined               events (i.e. completion of a test process)       Automatic   Group   Switching occurs based on actions taken               on user defined device groups       Automatic   Desktop   Switching occurs due to actions taken at               a selected server                  
 
         [0077]      FIG. 9A  shows, in an embodiment, a simplified flow chart representing the steps for handling a manual third party switching.  FIG. 9A  is discussed in relation to  FIG. 4 . At step  902  a third party user (e.g., administrator) at UID  416  may request for connectivity between UID  414   c  and GOSD  422 . The third party user at UID  416  may first select a location of UIDs (step  904 ) and a location of system devices (step  906 ). Once the UIDs and system devices are displayed on the third party user&#39;s console (i.e., UID  416 ), the user may select a target UID (step  908 ), such as UID  414   c , and a source system device (step  910 ), such as GOSD  422 . At step  912 , the SCS may establish data path connectivity between UID  414   c  and GOSD  422 .  
         [0078]      FIG. 9B  shows, in an embodiment, a simplified flow chart representing the steps for handling an automatic third party switching. Before automatic third party switching may occur, the user may create a profile for each switching event. Once an event listener identifies an event (step  950 ) as one of the preset profiles, an automatic action may occur (step  952 ). With the execution of the event (step  954 ), the SCS may begin establishing data path connectivity (step  956 ).  
         [0079]     In an embodiment, the MNMOS may also provide for group switching.  FIG. 10  shows, in an embodiment, a simplified flow chart representing the steps enabling group switching.  FIG. 10  is discussed in relation to  FIG. 4 . Group switching may be employed to switch a plurality of system devices to a plurality of UIDs regardless of the hardware capability of the UID switches. An embodiment of the invention allows the human operator to dynamically arrange the order in which system devices are switched to UIDs, add and/or remove components of the group, and store multiple group profiles that can be utilized at any time.  
         [0080]     When a switch command structure is assembled to execute operations on multiple components of switch, the procedure may be executed in a loop until the last command structure has been assembled and executed. Consider the situation wherein, for example, a user wants to connect from a three-users interface device group (e.g., UIDs  414   a ,  414   b , and  414   c ) to a group of three servers, such as GOSD  422 . Two UID switches (UID switches  404  and  408 ) are located on the data path between the two devices. At step  1002 , the SCS may identify a group switching situation. At step  1004 , a first UID (e.g., UID  414   a ) may be matched with a first system device (e.g., a system device in GOSD  422 ). The devices may be integrated with the command structure to form a first switch command (step  1006 ). The first switch command may be executed at step  1008 . After the first switch command has been executed, the SCS may repeat steps  1004  through  1008  until each system device has been matched with a UID (step  1010 ). At step  1012 , if additional switches are in the data path, the SCS may repeat steps  1004  through  1010  until all switches in the data path have been activated.  
         [0081]     Built into the group switching logic is an error handler that manages mismatched UID and system device groups. In an example, if the number of UIDs exceeds the number of system devices, then the group switching logic may perform no action on the remaining UIDs or may connect one or more of the system devices to more than one UID. In another example, if the number of system devices exceeds the number of UIDs, then the group switching logic may perform no action at all or may perform switching until all UID devices are exhausted.  
         [0082]      FIG. 11  shows, in an embodiment, a flowchart illustrating how a local, remote, or automated operator&#39;s request may be managed in a MNMOS arrangement. Consider the situation wherein, for example, a user wants to connect his UID to a system device. At step  1102 , the user may click on the system device. The signal that is sent to the SCS may contain information regarding the type and location of the user&#39;s UID and the selected system device (steps  1104  and  1106 ).  
         [0083]     At step  1108 , the SCS may determine the feasibility of a match. In an embodiment, the SCS may employ the authentication module to verify the user&#39;s access privilege to the system device. Further, while authentication is occurring, the SCS may apply additional logic to determine whether the UID and system device are able to communicate with one another. In an example, the SCS may determine that a user on an analog backbone may be unable to access remote servers.  
         [0084]     At step  1110 , the SCS may determine whether a data path exists. If no data path exists then error handling may occur at step  1112 . Error handling may include, but is not limited to recording the action on a log and notifying the user. However, if the data path exists, then the SCS, at step  1114 , may determine data path availability. If the data path is currently unavailable, then error handling may occur (step  1116 ). Error handling may include checking for data path availability at pre-determined intervals. However, if the data path is available then the SCS may proceed to step  1118  to check for any existing user option. User option may include preset options or manual user inputs.  
         [0085]     At step  1120 , the SCS may determine data path connectivity. Again, if the data path is unavailable then error handling may occur ( 1122 ). Assuming data path connectivity, the SCS may gather the command structures and protocols stored in the protocol modules (step  1124 ). Then, the SCS may assemble the command structures (step  1126 ) and may sequentially execute the switch commands (step  1128 ).  
         [0086]     As can be appreciated from embodiments of the invention, the MNMOS seemingly transforms a large complex heterogeneous switch environment into a simplified homogeneous environment. With the present invention, the human operator, with a SLACI, can now globally manage and maintain various system devices on heterogeneous switches with a common user interface. By simplifying the task that a human operator would typically perform in establishing data path connectivity, the MNMOS greatly increases efficiency and productivity while reducing human errors.  
         [0087]     While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. For example, although the examples in the figures discuss implementing the MNMOS to UID switches, the MNMOS may also be apply to any device that supports remote switching and/or data acquisition including but not limited to remote power devices, environmental and other data sensors, video over IP cameras, analog and digital keyboard-video-mouse switches, hybrids, and console servers. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.