OpenSFF Management Module Specification

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1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose and Scope

This document defines the requirements for design, implementation, and interoperability of Management Modules (MM) in supported OpenSFF enclosures. The Management Module provides out-of-band management and enables consistent KVM redirection, power control, and remote administration across different vendor systems.

The specification defines mechanical, electrical, software, and interoperability requirements with the goal of consistent functionality across vendor implementations. It applies to both Enterprise Enclosures, which MUST provide a Management Module slot, and Core Enclosures, which MAY include a Management Module slot as an optional feature.

1.2 Relationship to Other Specifications

The Management Module Specification complements the following documents:

  • OpenSFF Compute Node Specification
  • OpenSFF Enclosure Specification

Module designers MUST reference these documents for mechanical dimensions, power budgets, and signal routing definitions to ensure seamless integration.

1.3 Terminology and Abbreviations

This section defines terms used throughout this specification and aligns with concepts used in the OpenSFF Compute Node and Enclosure documents.

  • Anchor Linux: A minimal, secure Linux distribution builder purpose-built for OpenSFF Management Modules with CPUs. It provides the runtime environment for IP-KVM, configuration management, telemetry, and inter-node communication.
  • Core Compute Node: A compute node variant using the Core connector (SFF-TA-1002 4C+), supporting CPU, memory, and I/O.
  • Enterprise Compute Node: A compute node variant using both the Core and Enterprise connector (SFF-TA-1002 4C), enabling additional I/O such as additional Ethernet and USB-C
  • Full-featured MM: MM variant with an embedded CPU, memory, and storage, capable of running Anchor Linux to provide advanced management.
  • GPIO: General-Purpose Input/Output lines used by the MM to drive multiplexer select signals or read status inputs.
  • Management Connector: SFF-TA-1002 4C+ connector with a unique pinout dedicated to the MM slot.
  • MM: Management Module, the removable module providing KVM redirection and out-of-band management functionality.
  • Out-of-Band Management: Management network separate from primary data paths, used for firmware updates, power control, and console access.
  • Pass-through MM: MM variant without a CPU or OS, routing signals directly to external ports.

1.4 Document Conventions

  • All measurements and numeric values shall include their associated units.
  • Requirements: The words "SHALL," "MUST," "SHOULD," and similar terms are used to indicate the relative degree of obligation in accordance with accepted standards practices as described in RFC 2119. See examples:
    • "SHALL" or "MUST" indicate a mandatory requirement.
    • "SHOULD" indicates a recommendation.
    • "MAY" indicates that something is permissible.

1.5 Versioning Guidelines

The full version of any OpenSFF standard MUST follow the format “Year.Major.Minor.STAGE#”. This consists of:

  • Year: The two-digit year in which the specification cycle began (e.g., 26 indicates the 2026 revision cycle). The Year field reflects a new generation of the standard that introduces substantial design or performance changes across the ecosystem.
  • Major: Incremented when a change or clarification may affect product implementation.
  • Minor: Incremented for editorial or non-technical changes that do not affect product implementation, including non-breaking corrections or clarifications made after an official version is released.
  • STAGE#: An optional field that indicates the document’s development status, along with a number denoting revisions within the stage. These stages are:
    • DRAFT#: An internal working draft for development and early review
    • RC#: Release candidate, with completed content and published for public or partner review
    • (no suffix): Final release of a version



2. Module Variants