ClearCube I/Port Quick Reference Guide - Manual (Page 10)

6 • ClearCube I/Port Overview ClearCube I/Port User’s Guide, Rev. C
ClearCube I/Port Overview
The ClearCube architecture delivers Intel-based PC functionality to the desktop from
a secure, centralized location. This results in dramatic increases in manageability and
security while providing mission-critical reliability, performance, and uptime
improvements with lowered costs. Replacing a traditional PC box with a ClearCube
C/Port or I/Port in an office or cubicle also saves space, eliminates fan noise and
simplifies cabling resulting in a clear cube. The key components of the ClearCube
Architecture are:
• PC Blade – a remotely-located, Intel-based computer in a dense form factor.
• Chassis – a centralized PC blade housing that provides the power for each PC
blades and accepts a wide variety of chassis modules.
• Chassis Module – a modular interface card that plugs into a chassis and
provides User Port, management, and network connections.
• User Port – a remote desktop unit (C/Port or I/Port) to which standard peripherals
are connected.
• System Management – ClearCube Management Suite software and monitoring
hardware that is built into the blades, chassis, and User Ports.
The ClearCube I/Port is a User Port that connects to PC blades over a standard
Ethernet network. The I/Port delivers video and peripheral signals to a local user from
a centralized PC blade, just like the C/Port. However, the key difference is that the
I/Port connection uses the Ethernet protocol, allowing it to work over standard
switched networks. Therefore, the I/Port does not require a point-to-point connection
to a blade (no homerun cabling needed).
The I/Port extends the ClearCube product line to let IT managers use their existing IP
network and cabling infrastructure regardless of the distance between users' desktops
and their centralized PC blades.
This brief guide is devoted to the following I/Ports:
• I8020 – NeoLinux operating system
• I8820 – Windows XPe operating system
• Eon e100 – Available with Windows XPe or NeoLinux operating system
• I8330 – OS-independent
Figure 1 shows the ClearCube family of I/Ports. Figure 2 on page 12 shows the
connections between I/Ports and PC blades installed in the data center.