Merging scalable nodes into single-partition merged system using service processors of nodes

Abstract

Controlling the merging of nodes into a single-partition merged system using the nodes' service processors is disclosed. The system runs a single instance of an operating system. A user communicates with a service processor of a predetermined boot node to enter partition configuration information for the system without using a dedicated console. The partition configuration information is stored by the service processor of the boot node, and transmitted from the service processor of the boot node to the service processors of predetermined secondary nodes. The service processor of each secondary node then stores the partition configuration information. At reset, power-up, or power-down of any secondary node, the reset, power-up or power-down is conveyed to the service processor of the boot node, which resets, starts up, or shuts down the system, including transmitting commands to the service processors of the secondary nodes to individually reset, start up, or shut down.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present patent application is a continuation of the previously filed patent application also entitled “merging scalable nodes into single-partition merged system using service processors of nodes,” filed on Jun. 25, 2003, and assigned Ser. No. 10 / 603,516.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]This invention relates generally to merging scalable nodes of a system into a single-partition merged system running a single instance of an operating system (OS), and more particularly to the control of such merging by using the service processors of the nodes.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]As computing needs for organizations have increased, one common way to obtain greater computing power is to merge a number of scalable multiple-processor and / or single-processor nodes of a system so that the nodes function as a single-partition merged system. This is known as hardware partitioning. Such a system typically runs a single instance of ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This approach is cumbersome, however, especially where there are more than a few nodes to manually configure, and is prone to user data entry error.

However, this approach requires the addition of potentially costly hardware, and may require modification to preexisting systems that do not allow for the addition of such functionality.

The node thus becomes the primary node due to timing issues and the luck of the draw.

Such an approach, however, can be complex, and does not provide the administrator with control over which node becomes the primary node.

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