OpenSFF Management Module Specification

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2. Module Variants

The Management Module (MM) standard defines a range of possible implementations to accommodate different enclosure designs, vendor capabilities, and market requirements. While this specification describes two primary reference designs, Pass-through and Full-featured, vendors MAY create intermediate or alternative solutions that meet the electrical, mechanical, and interoperability requirements outlined here.

2.1 Pass-through Management Module

A Pass-through MM contains no CPU or operating system and simply routes signals from the management connector to its external ports. It enables local KVM access via DisplayPort and USB Type-A ports exposed on the I/O shield, and provides a direct Ethernet uplink to the internal management network.

Typical Characteristics:

  • One RJ45 port directly connected to the internal management network.
  • Two USB Type-A ports for keyboard and mouse input.
  • One DisplayPort output for video.
  • Hardware-based slot selection logic (e.g., push button or rotary selector)
  • Visual slot identification reflecting the currently selected slot / compute node.

2.2 Full-featured Management Module

A Full-featured MM includes an embedded CPU, memory, and storage sufficient to run Anchor Linux, providing IP-KVM, telemetry collection, configuration management, and advanced out-of-band services.

Full-featured MMs MUST support KVM redirection, with the ability to select one node at a time and provide IP-KVM functionality to remote users.

Typical Characteristics:

  • Embedded CPU equivalent to Intel N100 class
  • At least 8GB system memory
  • Persistent local storage for Anchor Linux and management services
  • One RJ45 port connected to the MM’s own NIC
  • Two USB Type-A ports for local keyboard and mouse input
  • One DisplayPort output for local video output.
  • Support for chassis SD card synchronization, including:
    • Validation and import of chassis data on boot
    • Backup of MM configuration data on major changes
    • Restore of configuration
  • Optional future eDP output dedicated to enclosure status displays

2.3 Intermediate and Alternative Designs

The MM standard allows for other implementations that fall between the two reference designs, or are purpose-built for niche requirements. These alternative designs MUST adhere to the physical, electrical, and interface requirements in this specification to ensure interoperability.



1. Introduction
3. Physical Characteristics