Passive midplane for coupling web server processing cards with a network interface(s)

A system, comprising:

• a printed circuit board having a plurality of first connectors, a second connector, and printed circuitry;
• the plurality of first connectors being coupled with a plurality of web server processing cards;
• the second connector being coupled with a network interface card;
• and
• the printed circuitry operable to route data communications between the plurality of web server processing cards and the network interface card.

A method for providing power to a plurality of web server processing cards, comprising:

• providing a plurality of first connectors on a midplane, the first connectors operable to receive a plurality of web server processing cards;
• coupling each web server processing card with a respective one of the plurality of first connectors;
• providing a plurality of second connectors on the midplane, the second connectors operable to receive a plurality of network interface cards;
• coupling each network interface card with a respective one of the plurality of second connectors;
• providing printed circuitry associated with the midplane, the printed circuitry operable to couple each first connector with an associated of the plurality of second connectors;
• providing a third connector operable to receive a first power supply;
• connecting the first power supply to the third connector;
• and
• wherein the printed circuitry is operable to distribute power from the first power supply to the plurality of first and second connectors.

A method of consolidating data communications of a plurality of web server processing cards, comprising:

• providing a plurality of first connectors upon a midplane printed circuit board, the first connectors operable to receive a plurality of web server processing cards;
• coupling each web server processing card with a respective one of the plurality of first connectors;
• providing a second connector upon the midplane printed circuit board, the second connector operable to receive a network interface card;
• coupling the network interface card with the second connector;
• and
• providing printed circuitry upon the midplane printed circuit board, the printed circuitry operable to route data communications between the plurality of first connectors and the second connector.