server

Abstract

This application discloses a server, relating to the field of computer technology, comprising: a server backplane and a server motherboard. The server backplane includes multiple storage connectors, a storage controller, a mode selector, and a motherboard connector. The storage controller is connected to the storage connectors, the mode selector, and the motherboard connector, respectively. The motherboard connector is also connected to the server motherboard. The storage connectors are used to connect to storage devices. The server motherboard is used to select the storage mode of the storage devices by setting mode configuration items. The mode selector is used to select the storage mode of the storage devices by setting mode status. The storage controller is used to detect the target mode status set by the mode selector and detect the target mode configuration items on the server motherboard; determine the target storage mode of the storage devices based on the target mode status and the target mode configuration items; and control the storage devices to operate according to the target storage mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of computer technology, and more specifically, to a server. Background Technology

[0002] Existing server storage solutions typically rely on a separate, expensive hard drive management card to manage the hard drive array. In this architecture, the hard drive management card is physically connected to the hard drive backplane via multiple dedicated data cables (such as MiniSAS cables). When switching from one storage mode to another, the server must be interrupted, and the cable connections must be manually changed, or specialized hardware connection modules must be replaced. This physical operation is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also prone to errors, increasing the difficulty and cost of maintenance and making the storage mode switching process extremely cumbersome.

[0003] There is still no effective solution to the technical problems, such as the high complexity of switching server storage modes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a server to at least solve the technical problem of high complexity in switching server storage modes in related technologies.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present application, a server is provided, including:

[0006] A server backplane and a server motherboard, the server backplane including multiple storage connectors, a storage controller, a mode selector and a motherboard connector, the storage controller being connected to the storage connectors, the mode selector and the motherboard connector respectively, and the motherboard connector being connected to the server motherboard, wherein the storage connectors are used to connect to storage devices;

[0007] The server motherboard is used to select the storage mode of the storage device through setting mode configuration items;

[0008] The mode selector is used to select the storage mode of the storage device by setting the mode state;

[0009] The storage controller is configured to detect the target mode status set by the mode selector and detect the target mode configuration item on the server motherboard; determine the target storage mode of the storage device based on the target mode status and the target mode configuration item; and control the storage device to operate according to the target storage mode.

[0010] This application provides a server, including a server backplane and a server motherboard. The server backplane integrates multiple storage connectors, a storage controller, a mode selector, and a motherboard connector. The storage controller connects to the storage connectors, the mode selector, and the motherboard connector, respectively. The motherboard connector also connects to the server motherboard, forming an integrated storage architecture. The core storage controller possesses dual control capabilities: it can detect the mode status set by the mode selector and identify the mode configuration items on the server motherboard. Based on these two pieces of information, the storage controller can determine and control the storage device to operate in the desired target storage mode. This design fundamentally eliminates the cumbersome manual cable and hardware changes required by existing technologies due to hardware separation. By using the mode selector and server motherboard—two simple and intuitive methods—it successfully solves the technical problem of high complexity and lack of flexibility in server storage mode switching. Therefore, it addresses the high complexity of server storage mode switching in related technologies, achieving the technical effect of reducing the complexity of server storage mode switching. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a server structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a server backplane design architecture according to an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a mode selector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a first processor and a motherboard memory on a server motherboard according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of a storage controller according to an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a second processor and a third processor on a server motherboard according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a backplane application design architecture according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0020] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. The terms "first," "second," etc., in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] This embodiment provides a server. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a server structure according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the server includes a server backplane and a server motherboard. The server backplane includes multiple storage connectors, a storage controller, a mode selector, and a motherboard connector. The storage controller is connected to the storage connectors, the mode selector, and the motherboard connector, respectively. The motherboard connector is also connected to the server motherboard. The storage connectors are used to connect to storage devices.

[0023] The server motherboard is used to select the storage mode of the storage device through setting mode configuration items;

[0024] The mode selector is used to select the storage mode of the storage device by setting the mode state;

[0025] The storage controller is configured to detect the target mode status set by the mode selector and detect the target mode configuration item on the server motherboard; determine the target storage mode of the storage device based on the target mode status and the target mode configuration item; and control the storage device to operate according to the target storage mode.

[0026] This application provides a server, including a server backplane and a server motherboard. The server backplane integrates multiple storage connectors, a storage controller, a mode selector, and a motherboard connector. The storage controller is connected to the storage connectors, the mode selector, and the motherboard connector, respectively. The motherboard connector is also connected to the server motherboard, forming an integrated storage architecture. The core storage controller has dual control capabilities: it can detect the mode status set by the mode selector and identify the mode configuration items on the server motherboard. Based on these two pieces of information, the storage controller can determine and control the storage device to operate in the desired target storage mode. This design fundamentally eliminates the cumbersome manual cable and hardware changes required by hardware separation in existing technologies. By using the mode selector and the server motherboard—two simple and intuitive methods—it successfully solves the technical problem of high complexity and lack of flexibility in server storage mode switching. Therefore, it addresses the high complexity of server storage mode switching in related technologies, achieving the technical effect of reducing the complexity of server storage mode switching.

[0027] Optionally, in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the server backplane features multiple storage connectors for connecting various storage devices (including, but not limited to, hard drives, such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives)). These connectors use standard SATA (Serial ATA, a serial-based interface protocol primarily used to connect storage devices in personal computers (PCs), such as HDDs and SSDs. It employs a single-channel design, supporting transfer speeds up to 6 Gbps) or SAS (Serial Attached SCSI, a serial version of the SCSI protocol, supporting higher data transfer speeds and more complex multi-device connections. SAS interfaces support full-duplex communication, allowing simultaneous sending and receiving of data, while SATA only supports unidirectional transmission) interfaces to ensure compatibility with common hard drives. The layout of the storage connectors can be rationally planned according to the size and number of storage devices. For example, a more compact arrangement can be used for 2.5-inch hard drives to improve backplane space utilization; for 3.5-inch hard drives, sufficient space needs to be reserved to meet their heat dissipation and installation requirements. Meanwhile, a motherboard connector for connecting the server motherboard is provided on the server backplane. This motherboard connector has high-speed data transmission capabilities and can support data communication between multiple hard drives and the motherboard. For example, a PCIe interface can be used to meet the needs of large data volume transmission.

[0028] Furthermore, the server backplane can, but is not limited to, employ a multi-layer PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design, with reasonable planning of power lines, data lines, and control lines. For high-speed data lines, such as SATA and SAS signal lines, strict impedance matching design can, but is not limited to, be used to reduce signal attenuation and crosstalk, ensuring the stability and reliability of data transmission. Simultaneously, during the routing process, full consideration should be given to the isolation between different lines to avoid mutual interference. For example, power lines can be arranged separately from data lines to reduce the impact of power supply noise on data signals.

[0029] It is worth noting that, unlike existing technologies, this embodiment integrates a storage controller on the server backplane. This storage controller is the core component for implementing storage mode switching. The storage controller possesses powerful data processing capabilities, enabling it to manage and process hard drive data according to the user-defined target storage mode. For example, in accelerated storage mode, data is striped and stored across multiple hard drives to improve data read / write performance; in mirrored storage mode, data mirroring is implemented to ensure data redundancy and reliability. The storage controller, through connections with the storage connector and motherboard connector, enables read / write control of hard drive data and communication with the motherboard.

[0030] also, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a server backplane design architecture according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, in addition to integrating the aforementioned storage controller, interface standards, and the server motherboard's PCIe and power interfaces, the server backplane design also includes a power management module, hot-swappable design, signal control mechanisms, and physical locking devices.

[0031] 1. Power Management Module: A dedicated power management module provides a stable power supply to the hard drives and other components on the server backplane. This module features overvoltage, overcurrent, and short-circuit protection, effectively protecting the hard drives and server backplane from power failures. For different types of hard drives, such as 2.5-inch drives which typically require only 5V, while 3.5-inch drives require both 12V and 5V, the power management module provides the appropriate voltage output based on the drive's needs. Furthermore, the power management module also features energy-saving functionality, automatically reducing power supply when the hard drive is idle to conserve energy.

[0032] 2. Hot-swappable design: The server uses storage connectors with anti-misinsertion design, such as keyed guides on the SAS interface, to prevent users from damaging the hard drive or server backplane by inserting it incorrectly. Additionally, filter capacitors are added to the power pins to buffer voltage surges generated during insertion and removal, ensuring electrical safety.

[0033] 3. Signal Control Mechanism: The server system is notified of the hard drive's insertion / removal status via dedicated signals. For example, using the SATA TRANS_RDY signal or the SAS Attention signal, the corresponding hot-swap response process is triggered when a hard drive is inserted or removed. Upon receiving the signal, the server system can react promptly to changes in the hard drive's status, such as automatically recognizing and initializing the hard drive upon insertion, and updating the system's storage device list when the hard drive is removed.

[0034] 4. Physical Locking Mechanism: The hard drive is equipped with a physical locking mechanism, such as a spring-loaded clip bracket or screw fastening, to ensure a tight contact between the hard drive and the server backplane during insertion and removal, preventing data transmission instability due to loosening. Simultaneously, the physical locking mechanism also provides some vibration damping, reducing damage to the hard drive caused by external vibrations.

[0035] Finally, the server backplane design architecture also includes thermal design, including the following aspects:

[0036] Server backplane slots: Ventilation slots are created on the server backplane to utilize airflow within the chassis for hard drive cooling. The location and size of these slots are designed based on the hard drive layout and heat generation to ensure effective heat dissipation. For example, larger ventilation slots are created in areas where hard drive heat is concentrated, such as near the hard drive motor and controller chip, to improve cooling efficiency.

[0037] Fan-assisted cooling: A fan mounting location is provided on the server back panel, allowing for the installation of small fans to enhance hard drive cooling. The fan speed can be intelligently adjusted based on the hard drive temperature. When the hard drive temperature rises, the fan automatically increases its speed to increase airflow; when the hard drive temperature decreases, the fan speed decreases accordingly to reduce noise and energy consumption. Simultaneously, the fan's installation direction should align with the airflow direction inside the chassis to create a good cooling path.

[0038] Heatsink applications: Heatsinks are installed on critical heat-generating components on the server backplane, such as storage controllers and power management chips, to increase the heat dissipation area and improve heat dissipation efficiency. Heatsinks can be made of materials with good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum alloy. By making close contact with the heat-generating components, they quickly conduct heat to the air, thereby reducing the component's temperature.

[0039] As an optional solution, the storage controller detects the target mode state set by the mode selector, including:

[0040] The storage controller acquires the target mode signal sent by the mode selector, wherein the mode selector is configured to send a mode signal to the storage controller to indicate the mode state after the switch when the mode state is switched.

[0041] The storage controller matches the target mode state corresponding to the target mode signal from the corresponding mode signals and mode states.

[0042] Optionally, in this embodiment, it can be achieved through... Figure 1 The mode selector in the configuration sets the mode status. The mode selector can be, but is not limited to, a hardware switch. For example, a storage mode selection switch can be set on the server backplane, allowing users to select the desired storage mode by toggling the switch. For instance, four switches can be set, corresponding to: accelerated storage mode, mirrored storage mode, parity storage mode, and standalone storage mode. When the user switches to the corresponding position, the server backplane will operate according to the selected mode. This method is simple and intuitive, suitable for users who are not very technically savvy.

[0043] Through the above embodiments, the signal matching mechanism ensures that the storage controller can accurately identify the current state of the physical switch, thereby guaranteeing the correct execution of physical mode switching commands. This improves the robustness and reliability of the system and avoids storage mode configuration chaos caused by signal identification errors.

[0044] As an optional solution, the mode selector includes multiple mode switches and a signal generator. The signal generator is connected to the multiple mode switches and is also connected to the storage controller. The mode switches are used to set a corresponding mode state by toggling to the corresponding switch position. The multiple mode switches correspond to multiple mode states.

[0045] The signal generator is used to detect multiple switch positions corresponding to multiple mode switches; when a change in multiple switch positions is detected, it generates a mode signal corresponding to the mode state indicated by the multiple switch positions; and sends the mode signal to the storage controller to indicate the mode state.

[0046] Optionally, in this embodiment, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a mode selector according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the mode selector includes multiple mode switches (e.g., mode switch 1, mode switch 2, mode switch 3, and mode switch 4) and a signal generator. The signal generator is connected to the multiple mode switches and is also connected to the storage controller. Mode switches 1, 2, 3, and 4 correspond to accelerated storage mode, mirrored storage mode, parity storage mode, and independent storage mode, respectively. When mode switch 3 is toggled, it indicates that the storage mode selected by the mode selector is parity storage mode, and a mode signal indicating parity storage mode is sent.

[0047] Through the above embodiments, a combination of multiple mode switches and signal generators can convert complex and diverse mode selections into clear and identifiable mode signals, which are then sent to the storage controller. This provides users with an intuitive and simple physical operating interface, enabling even users unfamiliar with technology to easily switch modes, thereby improving the user experience.

[0048] As an alternative solution, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a first processor and a motherboard memory on a server motherboard according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the server motherboard includes a first processor and a motherboard memory. The first processor runs a basic input / output system. The first processor is connected to the motherboard memory and is also connected to the motherboard connector. The storage controller detects the target mode configuration item on the server motherboard through the following steps:

[0049] A configuration item read request is sent to the server motherboard, wherein the configuration item read request is used to request to read the mode configuration item set on the server motherboard, and the server motherboard is configured to select the storage mode of the storage device through the basic input / output system setting mode configuration item during the boot-up phase; the set mode configuration item is stored in the motherboard memory; upon receiving the configuration item read request, the mode configuration item stored in the motherboard memory is sent to the storage controller through the motherboard connector;

[0050] Receive the target mode configuration item sent by the server motherboard.

[0051] Optionally, in this embodiment, storage mode settings can be configured, but are not limited to, through the server motherboard's BIOS (Basic Input / Output System). By adding a server backplane storage mode setting option to the BIOS, users can enter the BIOS interface during startup and select and configure the storage mode according to the prompts. The BIOS setting method is quite powerful, allowing users to configure more detailed storage device parameters, such as storage device stripe size and disk array member selection, making it suitable for professional users with high requirements for storage systems.

[0052] Through the above embodiments, mode configuration items can be set using the Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) on the motherboard during the server boot process, and the storage controller can actively send requests to read these configurations. This provides an advanced and flexible mode configuration method, particularly suitable for professional users who require detailed parameter settings, ensuring that all storage mode initialization settings can be completed before the operating system loads.

[0053] As an optional approach, the storage controller determines the target storage mode of the storage device based on the target mode state and the target mode configuration items, including:

[0054] The storage controller detects the setting time of the mode selector setting the target mode state, and detects the configuration time of the server motherboard configuring the target mode configuration item;

[0055] If the setting time is earlier than the configuration time, the storage controller determines the storage mode indicated by the target mode state as the target storage mode;

[0056] If the configuration time is earlier than the setting time, the storage controller will determine the storage mode indicated by the target mode configuration item as the target storage mode.

[0057] Optionally, in this embodiment, the server's storage controller has two mode switching methods:

[0058] 1. Physical switch (mode selector): There is a toggle switch on the outside of the server chassis used to select the storage mode.

[0059] 2. BIOS Settings (Motherboard Mode Configuration): When the server is powered on, you can enter the BIOS interface to set the storage mode.

[0060] Both of the above methods can switch storage modes, but the most recent switch can be used as the standard.

[0061] As an optional solution, the storage controller controls the storage device to operate according to the target storage mode, including:

[0062] When the target storage mode is accelerated storage mode, the multiple storage devices connected to the multiple storage connectors are controlled to perform read and write operations on the target data in parallel.

[0063] When the target storage mode is a mirrored storage mode, two of the multiple storage devices are controlled to simultaneously store the complete target data.

[0064] When the target storage mode is a verification storage mode, multiple data block storage devices among the multiple storage devices are controlled to store multiple target data blocks of the target data respectively, and multiple check code storage devices among the multiple storage devices are controlled to store the target check code of the target data. The check code storage device is one of the storage devices other than the data block storage devices among the multiple storage devices. The target check code is generated based on the multiple target data blocks of the target data. The target check code is used to recover the target data blocks in some of the data block storage devices based on the target data blocks stored in the other unfailed data block storage devices when some of the data block storage devices fail.

[0065] When the target storage mode is an independent storage mode, each of the multiple storage devices is controlled to independently store the target data.

[0066] Optionally, in this embodiment, in accelerated storage mode, the storage controller stripes the data across multiple hard drives. For example, the data is divided into equal-sized blocks and stored sequentially on different hard drives. When reading data, multiple hard drives work simultaneously, reading their respective data blocks and combining them into complete data, thereby greatly improving the data reading speed. Similarly, when writing data, the data is striped and written to multiple hard drives simultaneously to improve write performance. However, it should be noted that accelerated storage mode does not have data redundancy; if one hard drive fails, the data in the entire storage array will be unreadable.

[0067] Optionally, in this embodiment, the mirrored storage mode achieves data redundancy through data mirroring. The storage controller writes the same data to two hard drives simultaneously, and the data on both hard drives is identical. When one hard drive fails, the system can automatically switch to the other working hard drive to read the data, ensuring data availability. During data reading, the system can read data from either hard drive, improving read performance; during data writing, it needs to write to both hard drives simultaneously, resulting in a relatively slower write speed, but data security is greatly guaranteed.

[0068] Optionally, in this embodiment, the verification storage mode includes two types:

[0069] The first parity storage mode employs distributed parity checking technology, distributing data and parity information across multiple hard drives. For example, assuming a three-drive parity storage array, the storage controller divides the data into blocks and stores them on the three drives, simultaneously calculating the parity information for each block and distributing it across all three drives. When one drive fails, the system can recover the data from the failed drive using the data and parity information from the other drives, ensuring data integrity. The parity storage mode achieves a good balance between data read / write performance and data redundancy, making it suitable for applications with both high data security and performance requirements.

[0070] Second parity mode adds a second independent parity check message to the first parity mode, further improving data redundancy. Even if two hard drives fail simultaneously, the system can recover lost data using data on the other hard drives and the two parity check messages. While the data distribution and redundancy mechanism of second parity mode are more complex, it provides higher data security and is suitable for critical application scenarios with extremely high data reliability requirements.

[0071] Optionally, in this embodiment, the independent storage mode can be combined with a storage mode selection switch. When the user sets the switch to independent storage mode, the server backplane will enter independent storage mode operation. In this mode, the storage controller stops managing and processing hard drive data, and each hard drive communicates directly with the server motherboard and is recognized by the operating system as an independent storage device. The hardware switch switching method is simple and quick, allowing users to quickly switch the server backplane's operating mode without entering the operating system.

[0072] Optionally, in this embodiment, the Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) can implement independent hard drive addressing. When the server backplane is in independent storage mode, the server motherboard's BIOS can recognize each independent hard drive and manage it as a separate storage device. In the BIOS's storage device list, each hard drive has a unique identifier and parameter information. Users can perform basic settings for individual hard drives in the BIOS, such as boot order selection. Simultaneously, the server's operating system also treats each hard drive in independent storage mode as an independent storage resource. In the operating system's disk management tools, users can perform operations such as partitioning, formatting, and creating file systems for each hard drive, just like managing a single independent hard drive. This independent hard drive addressing method allows users to flexibly manage and use each hard drive in a personalized manner according to different application needs.

[0073] Furthermore, accelerated storage mode, mirrored storage mode, and parity storage mode are designed for storage arrays, that is, multiple storage devices are constructed into a storage array to store data. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of a storage controller according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the storage controller can perform the following operations on the storage array:

[0074] Array Creation and Deletion: Users can create the desired storage arrays using the storage mode selection methods described above. During creation, the system will automatically initialize and configure the hard drives based on the user's selected storage mode and number of hard drives, combining multiple hard drives into a logical storage array. When a user no longer needs a storage array, they can delete it through the corresponding operation to release hard drive resources. When deleting a storage array, the system will prompt the user for confirmation to prevent accidental deletion of important data.

[0075] Array Expansion and Shrinkage: Supports online expansion of storage arrays. When users need to increase storage capacity, they can insert new hard drives while the system is running and then add them to the existing storage array using management tools. The storage controller will automatically initialize the new hard drives and redistribute data across them according to storage mode requirements, thus expanding the array capacity. Similarly, in some cases, users may need to reduce the number of hard drives in the storage array, i.e., perform an array shrinkage operation. While ensuring data security, users can remove specified hard drives from the storage array using management tools. The storage controller will reorganize and verify the data on the remaining hard drives to ensure the normal operation of the array.

[0076] Array Reconstruction: When a hard drive in the storage array fails, the system automatically initiates the array reconstruction process. Based on the redundancy mechanism of the storage mode, the storage controller uses data and parity information from other working hard drives to regenerate the data from the failed hard drive on a spare or newly replaced hard drive, restoring the storage array to a normal state. During the array reconstruction process, the system can display the reconstruction progress and status information in real time, and users can monitor the reconstruction progress through management tools. Furthermore, to minimize the impact of array reconstruction on system performance, reconstruction speed priorities can be set. Users can choose between fast or slow reconstruction based on their actual needs to balance reconstruction speed and system performance.

[0077] As an alternative solution, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a second processor and a third processor on a server motherboard according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 6As shown, the server motherboard includes a second processor and a third processor, which are connected. The second processor is also connected to the motherboard connector. A driver application runs on the second processor, and a backplane application runs on the third processor. The backplane application includes a mode control program. The driver application is allowed to communicate with the backplane application. The driver application is used to receive an initial mode instruction sent by the backplane application; convert the initial mode instruction into a target mode instruction that the storage controller can recognize; and transmit the target mode instruction to the storage controller. The backplane application selects the storage mode of the storage device by sending the initial mode instruction through the mode control program. The target mode instruction is used to instruct the storage controller to control the storage device to operate according to the storage mode indicated by the initial mode instruction.

[0078] The storage controller is configured to control the storage device to operate in the storage mode indicated by the initial mode instruction according to the target mode instruction.

[0079] Optionally, in this embodiment, the third processor may, but is not limited to, running the server's operating system. Within the operating system, by running dedicated server backplane management software (backplane application), the user can send commands to switch the server backplane from storage mode (accelerated storage mode, mirrored storage mode, parity storage mode) to independent storage mode, or from independent storage mode back to other storage modes (accelerated storage mode, mirrored storage mode, parity storage mode). The software command switching method is more flexible, allowing users to switch modes at any time during system operation according to actual application needs. When switching modes, the software will prompt the user to save current data and ensure the system is in a secure state to avoid data loss or corruption.

[0080] Optionally, in this embodiment, the backplane application is specially developed server backplane management software. Users can run this software in the operating system to set and manage the storage mode of the server backplane. The server backplane management software provides a graphical user interface, allowing users to easily switch and configure storage modes through mouse clicks, menu selections, and other methods. Simultaneously, the server backplane management software can monitor the status of hard drives and the performance of the storage array in real time, and provides an alarm function to promptly notify the user when a hard drive fails or the storage array experiences abnormal performance.

[0081] Optionally, in this embodiment, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a backplane application design architecture according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the backplane application design includes the following aspects:

[0082] User Interface Design: A simple, intuitive, and easy-to-use user interface for the backplane application was designed. The user interface adopts a graphical design, using elements such as menus, buttons, and dialog boxes to facilitate various operations. For example, the main interface displays basic information about the server backplane, including the number of hard drives, operating mode, and storage array status; a dedicated storage mode settings interface is provided, allowing users to select and configure storage modes; and a hard drive status monitoring interface is set up to display detailed status information for each hard drive in real time, such as temperature, read / write speed, and error messages.

[0083] The backplane application has multiple functional modules (programs), including: storage mode management, mode control program, storage detection program, and storage alarm program. The storage mode management module allows users to create, delete, expand, and shrink storage arrays, and set storage mode parameters; the mode control program enables switching between independent storage modes and managing individual hard drives; the storage detection program collects hard drive status data in real time and displays it to the user in an intuitive way; the storage alarm program promptly notifies the user via pop-ups, sounds, emails, etc., when a hard drive fails, the storage array experiences abnormal performance, or other important events occur, allowing the user to take appropriate action.

[0084] As an optional approach, the driver application converts the initial mode instruction into a target mode instruction that the storage controller can recognize through the following steps:

[0085] The target instruction format is obtained by detecting the instruction format that the storage controller can recognize;

[0086] The initial mode instruction is converted into the target instruction format to obtain the target mode instruction.

[0087] Optionally, in this embodiment, the server's operating system includes Windows Server series, Linux system (such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu Server, etc.) and other common server operating systems. The driver application needs to be compatible with multiple mainstream operating systems to ensure that the driver application can be well compatible with different versions of the operating system and give full play to the function of the server backplane.

[0088] The driver application is responsible for communication and interaction between the server backplane and the operating system. In storage mode, the driver application translates the operating system's read / write requests into instructions that the storage controller can understand, controls the storage controller to perform corresponding operations on hard drive data, and passes the data returned by the storage controller to the operating system. In independent storage mode, the driver application directly passes the operating system's operation requests for individual hard drives to the server backplane, enabling the management of individual hard drives. Simultaneously, the driver application is also responsible for providing the operating system with server backplane status information, such as hard drive connection status, temperature, and error counts, so that the operating system can process and display the information accordingly.

[0089] As an optional solution, the driver application further includes a storage detection program and a storage alarm program. The storage detection program is configured to: transmit information collection instructions to the driver application at preset intervals; receive corresponding storage devices and status parameters returned by the driver application in response to the information collection instructions; filter out alarm storage devices whose status parameters are less than preset parameters from the corresponding storage devices and status parameters; and transmit the target device identifier of the alarm storage device to the storage alarm program. The information collection instructions are used to instruct the collection of the health status of the storage devices connected to the server, and the status parameters are used to indicate the health level of the corresponding storage device. Status parameters less than the preset parameters indicate that the health level of the corresponding storage device is below a health level threshold.

[0090] The storage alarm procedure is used to generate a target alarm signal carrying the target device identifier; and to transmit the target alarm signal to the target account, wherein the target alarm signal is used to alarm that the storage device corresponding to the target device identifier is a storage device with a health level lower than the health level threshold.

[0091] Optionally, in this embodiment, the conventional backplane application can only detect hard drive problems when they occur or are damaged, and cannot prevent them from happening in the first place. Since hard drives from different manufacturers have different lifespans, monitoring hard drive lifespan is a crucial function. In this embodiment, the lifespan of the hard drive provided by the manufacturer can be entered into the backplane application. The pipeline software records hard drive usage time in two ways: first, by querying the value using a user-provided hard drive usage time query command, and then recording it in the pipeline software; second, the backplane application starts recording from 0 after the hard drive is inserted into the server. When the hard drive reaches 90% of its lifespan provided by the manufacturer (this percentage can be adjusted based on user needs when triggering an alarm), the backplane application will issue an alarm. This alarm can be sent to the relevant administrator via email to the company's email address (target account).

[0092] Optionally, in this embodiment, the storage detection program includes the following basic functions: checking storage device logs, displaying the number of adapters, displaying all adapter information, displaying all logical disk group information, displaying all physical information, displaying adapter time, checking battery information, checking charging status, displaying power status information, displaying power capacity information, displaying power design parameters, displaying current power attributes, displaying storage device model, storage device settings, and storage device related information.

[0093] As an optional solution, the driver application further includes a timing control program, wherein the timing control program is used to create an execution time and a timing task with a corresponding relationship; detect whether the current time has reached the execution time; if the current time has reached the execution time, generate a task execution instruction carrying the timing task; and transmit the task execution instruction to the driver application, wherein the task execution instruction is used to instruct the driver application to execute the timing task, and the timing task includes at least one of the following: a storage expansion task and a data backup task, wherein the storage expansion task is used to instruct the expansion of the storage capacity of the storage device connected to the server, and the data backup task is used to instruct the backup of the data stored in the storage device;

[0094] The driver application is used to execute the scheduled task upon receiving the task execution instruction.

[0095] Optionally, in this embodiment, the backplane application also includes a timed control program. This hard disk backplane application can periodically execute hard disk array management functions based on the customer company's business operations, thereby preventing data loss during read / write operations on the server's original hard disks. This operation also significantly reduces operating costs, allowing maintenance personnel to reduce unnecessary overtime. The design concept of this backplane application, tailored to the company's business needs, is as follows:

[0096] When the primary function of a server's hard drive is database storage, a situation may arise where the data volume increases in the future, leading to insufficient database capacity. However, the database is constantly in use, and the server cannot be powered off. During such peak business periods, adding new hard drives to create an RAID array could result in data loss. Maintenance is typically performed at night and requires on-site operation by maintenance personnel, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0097] When all hard drives on a server store only one copy of data, or when all hard drives are used as a single database, data backup is necessary. This requires adding new hard drives and creating a disk array, followed by data copying for backup. However, since this data is used by business and development personnel during the day, operations cannot be performed during the day; therefore, maintenance personnel must operate on it after most employees have left work.

[0098] When a clustered server requires array building for each server involved, if the operations and maintenance personnel operate manually, they can only create the array one by one, and it is very likely that some specific hard disk management software will need to be installed, which is quite time-consuming.

[0099] In response to the above three points, the backplane application implements the following functions:

[0100] The system can automatically create an array on a scheduled basis or after detecting the termination of a program on the server. It also enables functions related to newly inserted hard drives, primarily for expanding the server's storage capacity.

[0101] For clustered servers, this application allows remote control and connection to the servers (simply providing the server's root username and password, and system IP address). It installs necessary management software on the servers (this is done automatically by the application), such as storcli64, nvme-cli, and MegaCli. Then, based on the hard drives connected to each server identified by the application, it remotely controls each server through the application interface, performing hard drive formatting and RAID configuration operations (the system disk is unaffected). After the operations are complete, the application checks the RAID configuration of each server and prints the results in a page format. An email address can also be configured here to send configuration information to a specified administrator email address.

[0102] This also applies to SAS cards that do not support RAID configuration. In this case, the application does not perform RAID configuration, but can still provide most of the functions, such as SAS card hard drive information detection and lifespan monitoring.

[0103] Optionally, in this embodiment, the backplane application also includes a remote management program: to facilitate system administrators in managing remote devices, this remote management program supports remote management functions. Through a network connection, the administrator can run the application on a remote computer to remotely operate and monitor the server backplane. During remote management, the application employs a secure communication protocol to ensure the security and reliability of data transmission. Simultaneously, the remote management function also supports multi-device management, allowing administrators to manage multiple server backplanes simultaneously through a single application interface, thereby improving management efficiency.

Claims

1. A server, characterized in that, include: A server backplane and a server motherboard, wherein the server backplane includes multiple storage connectors, a storage controller, a mode selector, and a motherboard connector, the storage controller being connected to the storage connectors, the mode selector, and the motherboard connector, and the motherboard connector being connected to the server motherboard. The storage connector is used to connect to a storage device; The server motherboard is used to select the storage mode of the storage device through setting mode configuration items; The mode selector is used to select the storage mode of the storage device by setting the mode state; The storage controller is configured to detect the target mode status set by the mode selector and detect the target mode configuration item on the server motherboard; determine the target storage mode of the storage device based on the target mode status and the target mode configuration item; and control the storage device to operate according to the target storage mode. The server motherboard includes a first processor and a motherboard memory. The first processor runs a Basic Input / Output System (BIOS). The first processor and the motherboard memory are connected. The first processor is also connected to the motherboard connector. The storage controller detects the target mode configuration item on the server motherboard through the following steps: sending a configuration item read request to the server motherboard, wherein the configuration item read request is used to request reading the mode configuration item set on the server motherboard, and the server motherboard is configured to select the storage mode of the storage device through the BIOS setting mode configuration item during the boot-up phase; storing the set mode configuration item in the motherboard memory; upon receiving the configuration item read request, sending the mode configuration item stored in the motherboard memory to the storage controller through the motherboard connector; and receiving the target mode configuration item sent by the server motherboard. The storage controller determines the target storage mode of the storage device based on the target mode state and the target mode configuration item, including: the storage controller detecting the setting time of the mode selector setting the target mode state and detecting the configuration time of the server motherboard configuring the target mode configuration item; if the setting time is earlier than the configuration time, the storage controller determines the storage mode indicated by the target mode state as the target storage mode; if the configuration time is earlier than the setting time, the storage controller determines the storage mode indicated by the target mode configuration item as the target storage mode.

2. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage controller detects the target mode status set by the mode selector, including: The storage controller acquires the target mode signal sent by the mode selector, wherein the mode selector is configured to send a mode signal to the storage controller to indicate the mode state after the switch when the mode state is switched. The storage controller matches the target mode state corresponding to the target mode signal from the corresponding mode signals and mode states.

3. The server according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mode selector includes multiple mode switches and a signal generator. The signal generator is connected to the multiple mode switches and also to the storage controller. The mode switch is used to set the corresponding mode state by tossing it to the corresponding switch position, wherein multiple mode switches correspond to multiple mode states; The signal generator is used to detect multiple switch positions corresponding to multiple mode switches; when a change in multiple switch positions is detected, it generates a mode signal corresponding to the mode state indicated by the multiple switch positions; and sends the mode signal to the storage controller to indicate the mode state.

4. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage controller controls the storage device to operate according to the target storage mode, including: When the target storage mode is accelerated storage mode, the multiple storage devices connected to the multiple storage connectors are controlled to perform read and write operations on the target data in parallel. When the target storage mode is a mirrored storage mode, two of the multiple storage devices are controlled to simultaneously store the complete target data. When the target storage mode is a verification storage mode, multiple data block storage devices among the multiple storage devices are controlled to store multiple target data blocks of the target data respectively, and multiple check code storage devices among the multiple storage devices are controlled to store the target check code of the target data. The check code storage device is one of the storage devices other than the data block storage devices among the multiple storage devices. The target check code is generated based on the multiple target data blocks of the target data. The target check code is used to recover the target data blocks in some of the data block storage devices based on the target data blocks stored in the other unfailed data block storage devices when some of the data block storage devices fail. When the target storage mode is an independent storage mode, each of the multiple storage devices is controlled to independently store the target data.

5. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that, The server motherboard includes a second processor and a third processor, which are connected. The second processor is also connected to the motherboard connector. A driver application runs on the second processor, and a backplane application runs on the third processor. The backplane application includes a mode control program, and the driver application allows communication with the backplane application. The driver application is configured to receive an initial mode instruction sent by the backplane application; convert the initial mode instruction into a target mode instruction that the storage controller can recognize; and transmit the target mode instruction to the storage controller. The backplane application selects the storage mode of the storage device by sending the initial mode instruction through the mode control program, and the target mode instruction instructs the storage controller to control the storage device to operate according to the storage mode indicated by the initial mode instruction. The storage controller is configured to control the storage device to operate in the storage mode indicated by the initial mode instruction according to the target mode instruction.

6. The server according to claim 5, characterized in that, The driver application converts the initial mode instruction into a target mode instruction that the storage controller can recognize by the following steps: The target instruction format is obtained by detecting the instruction format that the storage controller can recognize; The initial mode instruction is converted into the target instruction format to obtain the target mode instruction.

7. The server according to claim 5, characterized in that, The driver application also includes a storage detection program and a storage alarm program, wherein... The storage detection program is configured to transmit information collection instructions to the driver application according to a preset period; receive the storage devices and status parameters with corresponding relationships returned by the driver application in response to the information collection instructions; filter out alarm storage devices whose status parameters are less than a preset parameter from the storage devices and status parameters with corresponding relationships; and transmit the target device identifier of the alarm storage device to the storage alarm program. The information collection instructions are used to instruct the collection of the health status of the storage devices connected to the server, the status parameters are used to indicate the health level of the corresponding storage device, and the status parameters less than the preset parameter indicate that the health level of the corresponding storage device is below a health level threshold. The storage alarm procedure is used to generate a target alarm signal carrying the target device identifier; and to transmit the target alarm signal to the target account, wherein the target alarm signal is used to alarm that the storage device corresponding to the target device identifier is a storage device with a health level lower than the health level threshold.

8. The server according to claim 5, characterized in that, The driver application also includes a timing control program, wherein... The timing control program is used to create corresponding execution times and timing tasks; detect whether the current time has reached the execution time; if the current time has reached the execution time, generate a task execution instruction carrying the timing task; and transmit the task execution instruction to the driver application, wherein the task execution instruction is used to instruct the driver application to execute the timing task, and the timing task includes at least one of the following: a storage expansion task and a data backup task, wherein the storage expansion task is used to instruct the expansion of the storage capacity of the storage device connected to the server, and the data backup task is used to instruct the backup of the data stored in the storage device; The driver application is used to execute the scheduled task upon receiving the task execution instruction.

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