Basic input and output system repair device, method and medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of computer technology and discloses a basic input / output system (BIOS) repair device, method, and medium. The device comprises: a first server enters an emergency boot mode upon detecting that both a first main BIOS and a first backup BIOS have failed; a second server controls itself to enter a rescue mode; after the first server controls a first mainboard to successfully enter an operating system via the second backup BIOS, a firmware flashing tool in the operating system is used to repair the first backup BIOS; after the repair operation is completed, the connection between the first server and the second server is disconnected; after the first server is restarted using the first backup BIOS, the first mainboard is controlled to enter the operating system; and the firmware flashing tool in the operating system is used to repair the first main BIOS. Because this method does not require the BIOS to be disassembled, it does not require high standards for personnel and has a wider range of applications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of computer technology, and in particular to a basic input and output system repair device, method and medium. Background Art

[0002] The Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) is a set of programs stored on a ROM chip on the computer's motherboard. It contains the computer's most important basic input / output programs, system settings, power-on self-test (PTT), and system bootstrap programs. Its primary function is to provide the lowest-level, most direct hardware configuration and control for the computer.

[0003] Modern servers typically have two BIOS chips for backup and redundancy. If the primary BIOS chip fails, the backup can be used to boot. During server maintenance, BIOS upgrades are common to optimize system performance or fix known issues. However, unexpected interruptions or corruption of the upgrade file can occur during the BIOS upgrade process. While dual BIOS redundancy theoretically provides protection against unusual BIOS failures, human error often leads to problems in both BIOSes. This can cause the BIOS to malfunction and affect server bootup. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a basic input and output system repair device, method and medium to solve the problem in the prior art that when problems occur in both BIOS, the BIOS cannot work properly, affecting the startup of the server.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a basic input and output system repair device, the device comprising:

[0006] The first server is configured to, upon detecting that both a first primary BIOS and a first backup BIOS included in the first server have failed, enter an emergency startup mode: disconnect the communication between the first primary BIOS and a first mainboard included in the first server, while maintaining the communication between the first backup BIOS and the first mainboard; and send a notification message to the second server, the notification message being used to indicate that both the first primary BIOS and the first backup BIOS in the first server have failed;

[0007] The second server is configured to control itself to enter a rescue mode according to the notification message: a second primary basic input / output system in the second server maintains a communication connection with the second mainboard, a communication connection between the second standby basic input / output system and the second mainboard is disconnected, and the second standby basic input / output system establishes a communication connection with the first mainboard through a preconfigured first interface pair;

[0008] The first server is further configured to control the first mainboard to successfully enter the operating system through the second backup basic input / output system, and then use the firmware flashing tool in the operating system to complete the repair operation of the first backup basic input / output system; when it is determined that the repair operation of the first backup basic input / output system is completed, disconnect the connection between the first server and the second server; control the first mainboard to enter the operating system after completing the restart operation of the first server using the first backup basic input / output system; and use the firmware flashing tool in the operating system to complete the repair operation of the first main basic input / output system.

[0009] The basic input and output system repair device provided by the present invention has the following advantages:

[0010] When the first server detects that both its first main BIOS and first backup BIOS have failed, it indicates that it cannot properly recover from the fault and needs to enter emergency boot mode. It then sends a notification message to the second server, which, in response, enters rescue mode. In this way, the first server can use the second backup BIOS to control the first mainboard to enter the operating system, and then use the firmware flashing tool in the operating system to repair the first backup BIOS. Once the first backup BIOS is successfully repaired, the first mainboard can then perform an emergency boot using the first backup BIOS to enter the operating system, and then use the operating system to repair the first main BIOS. Therefore, after the first backup BIOS is successfully repaired, the connection between the first and second servers can be disconnected. Although this method uses two servers of the same type to perform the fault recovery, the connection between the second server's mainboard and the second main BIOS remains intact throughout the entire process. Therefore, the repair process on the first server does not affect the second server's business operations. Furthermore, since the first main BIOS and first backup BIOS in the first server are not disassembled during the entire process, the requirements for staff are not high. This solution has a wider range of applications, especially when compared to some servers where the BIOS chip is directly soldered to the motherboard. Furthermore, the firmware flashing tool used in this application document is under the operating system, which has a higher success rate than the firmware flashing tool built into the BMC.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the device further comprises: a basic input and output system burning device;

[0012] The first server is further configured to disconnect the first server from the second server and enter a flash mode when controlling the first mainboard to enter the operating system via the second backup basic input / output system fails. The flash mode includes: establishing a communication connection between the first main basic input / output system and the first interface pair;

[0013] Controlling the burning device to complete the flashing operation on the first main basic input and output system;

[0014] After the flashing operation on the first primary basic input and output system is completed, the first server enters the rescue mode;

[0015] The burning device is controlled to complete the flashing operation on the first standby basic input and output system.

[0016] Specifically, if the second backup BIOS fails to control the first BIOS from entering the operating system, the second server can be discontinued to repair the BIOS failure in the first server. At this point, the connection between the first and second servers can be disconnected, and the system enters flash mode. A communication connection is then established between the first motherboard and the BIOS burning device, and the BIOS burning device in the BIOS repair device completes the repair of the first main BIOS and the first backup BIOS. This reduces system downtime caused by BIOS failures, improves system reliability and stability, and minimizes the impact on business operations.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the target server further includes a management board network card, the target server includes a first server and a second server; the first interface pair includes a first communication interface in the first server and a second communication interface in the second server;

[0018] Establishing a communication connection between a main basic input and output system in the target server and a first port of a mainboard in the target server via a first switch;

[0019] Establishing a communication connection between the first port and the communication interface in the target server via the second switch;

[0020] establishing a communication connection between the main basic input and output system in the target server and the communication interface in the target server via a third switch;

[0021] Establishing a communication connection between the management board network card in the target server and the communication interface in the target server via the fourth switch;

[0022] establishing a communication connection between the standby basic input and output system in the target server and the second port of the mainboard in the target server via a fifth switch;

[0023] Establishing a communication connection between the second port and the communication interface in the target server via a sixth switch;

[0024] establishing a communication connection between the standby basic input and output system in the target server and the communication interface in the target server via a seventh switch;

[0025] The target server completes the switching of the working mode by controlling the closing or opening of multiple switches from the first switch to the seventh switch, wherein the working modes include initial state mode, emergency startup mode, rescue mode, and flash mode.

[0026] Specifically, the target server may include, for example, a first server and a second server, each of which may include a main BIOS and a backup BIOS. The target server may also include a communication interface, and the communication interfaces in the first server and the second server together constitute a first interface pair for establishing a communication connection between the first server and the second server. By establishing or disconnecting communication connections between different components through the first to seventh switches, the operating mode of the target server can be switched, such as freely switching between emergency startup mode, rescue mode, and flash mode. Operation will be more flexible and convenient.

[0027] In an optional implementation, when the second switch and the fifth switch in the target server are closed and the switches other than the second switch and the fifth switch are in an open state, the target server enters the emergency startup mode.

[0028] Specifically, the second and fifth switches are closed, while the other switches remain open. This disconnects the communication interface from the management board's network card to prevent electrical signal interference with the out-of-band management Ethernet. The first port of the main BIOS on the motherboard is exposed to the outside world through the communication interface, while the backup BIOS remains connected to the motherboard. The target server now enters emergency boot mode, allowing other servers to perform fault recovery operations on their backup BIOS after entering rescue mode.

[0029] In an optional implementation, when the first switch and the seventh switch in the target server are closed and the switches other than the first switch and the seventh switch are in an open state, the target server enters the rescue mode.

[0030] Specifically, the first and seventh switches are closed, and the other switches are open. At this point, the communication interface is disconnected from the management board's network card to prevent electrical signals from interfering with the out-of-band management Ethernet. The backup BIOS on the motherboard is exposed to the outside world through the communication interface. The main BIOS remains connected to the motherboard to ensure smooth operation. In rescue mode, the backup BIOS can be provided to the faulty server for emergency booting, assisting in the rescue and recovery of the faulty server.

[0031] In an optional implementation, when the third switch and the fifth switch in the target server are closed, unless the third switch and the fifth switch are in an open state, the target server enters the flash mode.

[0032] Specifically, the third and fifth switches are closed, and the other switches are open. At this point, the communication interface is disconnected from the management board's network card to prevent electrical signal interference with the out-of-band management Ethernet. The main BIOS on the motherboard is exposed to the outside world through the communication interface. The backup BIOS remains connected to the motherboard. In flash mode, the BIOS of the faulty server can be burned and repaired using the BIOS flashing device.

[0033] In an optional embodiment, when the first switch, the fourth switch, and the fifth switch in the target server are closed and the switches other than the first switch, the fourth switch, and the fifth switch are in an open state, the target server enters the initial state mode.

[0034] Specifically, the first, fourth, and fifth switches are closed, while the other switches remain open. At this point, the primary and backup BIOS are connected normally to the mainboard. The communication interface is connected to the management board's network card, functioning as an out-of-band management network port. The initial state indicates normal server operation.

[0035] By closing or opening different switches, the server's working mode can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs.

[0036] In an optional embodiment, the basic input and output system burning device includes:

[0037] A terminal device including a basic input and output system burner, a network cable, and a third communication interface;

[0038] The terminal device establishes a communication connection with the third communication interface pair via a network cable;

[0039] The third communication interface and the first communication interface of the first server included in the first interface pair constitute a second interface pair;

[0040] A communication connection is established between the basic input and output system burning device and the first server through the second interface pair.

[0041] Specifically, the BIOS burning device includes a terminal device, a network cable, and a third communication interface. The third communication interface and the first interface included in the first interface pair form a second interface pair. The second interface pair establishes a communication connection between the BIOS burning device and the first server, and the BIOS burning device in the terminal device can then complete the flashing of the faulty server, thereby repairing the faulty BIOS.

[0042] In an optional implementation, the first server further includes: a first encoding and decoding device; the second server further includes: a second encoding and decoding device; and the basic input and output system burning device further includes: a third encoding and decoding device.

[0043] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for repairing a basic input / output system, the method comprising:

[0044] When the first server detects that both the first main BIOS and the first backup BIOS included in the first server have failed, the first server enters an emergency startup mode: the first main BIOS and the first mainboard included in the first server are disconnected from each other, while the first backup BIOS maintains the communication connection with the first mainboard; and a notification message is sent to the second server, indicating that both the first main BIOS and the first backup BIOS in the first server have failed.

[0045] The second server controls itself to enter the rescue mode according to the notification message: the second primary BIOS in the second server maintains a communication connection with the second mainboard, the communication connection between the second backup BIOS and the second mainboard is disconnected, and the second backup BIOS establishes a communication connection with the first mainboard through the preconfigured first interface pair;

[0046] After the first server controls the first mainboard to successfully enter the operating system through the second backup basic input and output system, the firmware flashing tool in the operating system is used to complete the repair operation of the first backup basic input and output system; when it is determined that the repair operation of the first backup basic input and output system is completed, the connection between the first server and the second server is disconnected; after the restart operation of the first server is completed using the first backup basic input and output system, the first mainboard is controlled to enter the operating system; and the firmware flashing tool in the operating system is used to complete the repair operation of the first main basic input and output system.

[0047] The basic input and output system repair method provided by the present invention has the following advantages:

[0048] When the first server detects that both its first main BIOS and first backup BIOS have failed, it indicates that it cannot properly recover from the fault and needs to enter emergency boot mode. It then sends a notification message to the second server, which, in response, enters rescue mode. In this way, the first server can use the second backup BIOS to control the first mainboard to enter the operating system, and then use the firmware flashing tool in the operating system to repair the first backup BIOS. Once the first backup BIOS is successfully repaired, the first mainboard can then perform an emergency boot using the first backup BIOS to enter the operating system, and then use the operating system to repair the first main BIOS. Therefore, after the first backup BIOS is successfully repaired, the connection between the first and second servers can be disconnected. Although this method uses two servers of the same type to perform the fault recovery, the connection between the second server's mainboard and the second main BIOS remains intact throughout the entire process. Therefore, the repair process on the first server does not affect the second server's business operations. Furthermore, since the first main BIOS and first backup BIOS in the first server are not disassembled during the entire process, the requirements for staff are not high. This solution has a wider range of applications, especially when compared to some servers where the BIOS chip is directly soldered to the motherboard. Furthermore, the firmware flashing tool used in this application document is under the operating system, which has a higher success rate than the firmware flashing tool built into the BMC. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the specific embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0050] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a basic input and output system repair device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of another basic input and output system repair device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a target server in an initial state provided by the present invention;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a target server in an emergency startup mode provided by the present invention;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a target server in a rescue mode provided by the present invention;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of a target server in a flash mode provided by the present invention;

[0056] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a burning device provided by the present invention;

[0057] Figure 8 1 is a flow chart of a method for repairing a basic input / output system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 9 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary overall structure of a basic input and output system repair device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 10 The figure is a flowchart of an exemplary method for repairing a basic input / output system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] The Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) is a set of programs stored on a ROM chip on the computer's motherboard. It contains the computer's most important basic input / output programs, system settings, power-on self-test (PTT), and system bootstrap programs. Its primary function is to provide the lowest-level, most direct hardware configuration and control for the computer.

[0062] Modern servers typically have two BIOS chips for backup and redundancy. If the primary BIOS chip fails, the backup can be used to boot. During server maintenance, BIOS upgrades are common to optimize system performance or fix known issues. However, unexpected interruptions or corruption of the upgrade file can occur during the BIOS upgrade process. While dual BIOS redundancy theoretically provides protection against unusual BIOS failures, human error often leads to problems in both BIOSes. This can cause the BIOS to malfunction and affect server bootup.

[0063] In a related technology, to address the aforementioned issues, out-of-band management can be used to log in to the BMC management system. The BIOS firmware can be flashed using the flashing tool provided by the BMC. This method is the preferred option because it is simple to use and does not require disassembly or other hardware tools. In practice, firmware flashing tools within the operating system are generally more powerful and more widely applicable. However, when both BIOSes fail, the success rate of using the firmware flashing tool built into the BMC is low.

[0064] In another related technology, the BIOS chip of the failed server can be removed and moved to a backup BIOS location on another server. After entering the operating system, the BIOS chip can be refreshed using tools under the operating system.

[0065] However, this solution requires a second server, which must be powered off and unpacked. This operation involves plugging and unplugging the BIOS chip, which places high demands on maintenance personnel and risks damaging the hardware. Furthermore, some servers have the BIOS chip soldered directly to the motherboard, making this solution unsuitable.

[0066] Alternatively, you can open the chassis of a powered-off server and use a professional burner to reprogram the BIOS chip. For removable BIOS chips, you can simply remove the chip and reprogram it. For non-removable BIOS chips, use a special clip to clamp the chip's PIN pins.

[0067] While this solution can completely resolve BIOS issues, it's inconvenient. It requires powering off the server, opening the chassis, and directly removing the BIOS chip, or using clips with contacts. This carries a high risk of damaging the motherboard and chip, and places high demands on maintenance personnel.

[0068] To solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an embodiment of remotely upgrading a complex programmable logic device. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system (client) including, for example, a set of computer executable instructions, and although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in an order different from that shown here.

[0069] This embodiment provides a basic input and output system repair device. Figure 1 As shown, the device includes:

[0070] The first server 10 and the second server 20 of the same type as the first server 10 establish a communication connection between the first server 10 and the second server 20 via a preconfigured first interface pair; the first server and the second server both include a primary basic input and output system and a backup basic input and output system.

[0071] The first server 10 is configured to enter an emergency startup mode upon detecting that both a first main BIOS 101 and a first backup BIOS 102 included in the first server 10 have failed, wherein the first server 10 entering the emergency startup mode includes: disconnecting the communication connection between the first main BIOS 101 and a first mainboard 103 included in the first server 10, while maintaining the communication connection between the first backup BIOS 102 and the first mainboard 103; and sending a notification message to the second server 20, the notification message being used to indicate that both the first main BIOS 101 and the first backup BIOS 102 in the first server 10 have failed;

[0072] The second server 20 is configured to control itself to enter a rescue mode according to the notification message, wherein the second server 20 entering the rescue mode includes: maintaining a communication connection between the second primary BIOS 201 in the second server 20 and the second mainboard 203, disconnecting the communication connection between the second backup BIOS 202 and the second mainboard 203, and establishing a communication connection between the second backup BIOS 202 and the first mainboard 103 via a preconfigured first interface pair;

[0073] The first server 10 is further configured to control the first mainboard 103 to successfully enter the operating system through the second backup basic input / output system 202, and then utilize the firmware flashing tool in the operating system to complete the repair operation of the first backup basic input / output system 102; upon determining that the repair operation of the first backup basic input / output system 102 is completed, disconnect the first server 10 and the second server 20; control the first mainboard 103 to enter the operating system after completing the restart operation of the first server 10 using the first backup basic input / output system 102; and utilize the firmware flashing tool in the operating system to complete the repair operation of the first main basic input / output system 101.

[0074] Specifically, when the first server 10 detects that both its first main BIOS 101 and first backup BIOS 102 have failed, it indicates that it cannot recover from the failure and needs to enter emergency boot mode. Emergency boot mode disconnects the first main BIOS 101 from the first motherboard 103, while maintaining a connection between the first backup BIOS 102 and the first motherboard 103. Subsequently, a notification message is sent to the second server 20.

[0075] The second server 20 enters the rescue mode according to the notification message.

[0076] Among them, the rescue mode includes maintaining a communication connection between the second main BIOS 201 and the second mainboard 203 in the second server 20, disconnecting the communication connection between the second standby BIOS 202 and the second mainboard 203, and establishing a communication connection between the second standby BIOS 202 and the first mainboard 103 through a preconfigured first interface pair.

[0077] At this point, because the second main BIOS 201 in the second server 20 maintains a communication connection with the second main board 203, the second server 20 can operate normally. Furthermore, because the second backup BIOS 202 establishes a communication connection with the first main board 103 via the preconfigured first interface pair, the first server 10 can control the first main board 103 to enter the operating system through the second backup BIOS 202.

[0078] After successfully entering the operating system, the first server 10 can use the firmware flashing tool in the operating system to complete the repair operation on the first backup BIOS 102. After the first backup BIOS 102 is successfully repaired, the first server 10 can then enter the operating system through an emergency boot of the first backup BIOS 102. Then, the operating system completes the repair operation on the first main BIOS 101. Therefore, after the first backup BIOS 102 is successfully repaired, the connection between the first server 10 and the second server 20 can be disconnected.

[0079] The embodiment of the present invention provides a basic input and output system repair device. Although it uses two servers of the same type to implement fault repair operations, during the entire working process, because the connection between the motherboard of the second server and the second main BIOS is never disconnected, when the repair operation is performed on the first server, the business processing work of the second server is not affected at all. Moreover, during the entire process, because no disassembly operation is performed on the first main BIOS and the first backup BIOS in the first server, the requirements for the staff do not need to be too high. The scope of application of this solution is wider, especially compared with the situation where the BIOS chip in some servers is directly soldered to the motherboard. Furthermore, the firmware flashing tool under the operating system is used in this application document, which has a higher success rate than the firmware flashing tool built into the BMC.

[0080] In an optional implementation, based on the above embodiment, considering that in some extreme cases, the second backup BIOS 202 of the second server 20 may be unable to start the operating system in the first server 10. In order to further optimize the technical solution of this application, in an optional example, see Figure 2 As shown, the device may further include: a basic input and output system burning device 30.

[0081] The first server 10 is further configured to disconnect the first server 10 and the second server 20 and enter a flash mode when the second backup BIOS 202 fails to control the first mainboard 103 to enter the operating system. The flash mode includes: establishing a communication connection between the first main BIOS 101 and the first interface pair;

[0082] Controlling the burning device to complete the flashing operation on the first main basic input and output system 101;

[0083] After the flash operation on the first primary BIOS 101 is completed, the first server 10 enters the rescue mode;

[0084] The programming device is controlled to complete the flashing operation on the first standby basic input and output system 102 .

[0085] Specifically, if the second backup BIOS 202 fails to control the first motherboard 103 to enter the operating system, it is equivalent to no longer being able to complete the repair of the primary / backup BIOS in the first server 10 through the second server 20. It is necessary to reconsider other methods to repair the primary / backup BIOS of the first server 10. Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, the connection between the first server 10 and the second server 20 can be disconnected, and then the flash mode can be entered.

[0086] The flash mode includes: the first master basic input and output system 101 establishes a communication connection with the first interface pair.

[0087] Then, a communication connection is established between the first server 10 and the burning device, and the burning device is controlled to complete the flashing operation on the first main BIOS 101. After the flashing operation on the first main basic input and output system 101 is completed, the system enters rescue mode. Specifically, a communication connection is established between the first main motherboard 103 and the first main BIOS 101, and server business processing operations proceed normally. The first backup BIOS 102 establishes a communication connection with the first communication interface in the first server 10, and communication between the first backup BIOS 102 and the burning device is achieved through this connection. The burning device then uses this connection to repair the first backup BIOS 102.

[0088] In the above embodiment, if the second backup BIOS 202 fails to control the first BIOS to enter the operating system, the second server 20 can be discontinued to repair the BIOS failure in the first server 10. At this point, the connection between the first server 10 and the second server 20 can be disconnected, and the system enters flash mode. A communication connection is then established between the first motherboard 103 and the BIOS burning device, and the BIOS burning device in the BIOS repair device completes the repair of the first main BIOS 101 and the first backup BIOS 102. This reduces system downtime caused by BIOS failures, improves system reliability and stability, and minimizes the impact on business operations.

[0089] On the basis of any of the foregoing embodiments, since the first server 10 and the second server 20 can both serve as fault servers at a certain moment, they can also serve as rescue servers at a certain moment. Therefore, the first server 10 and the second server 20 are actually configured with the same or similar structure. In order to perform different functions at different moments. In order to introduce the specific structural details of the first server 10 and the second server 20, the target server is taken as an example to refer to servers of the same type. That is, the target server can include the first server 10 and the second server 20. Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 An example of the target server structure is given in . Figure 3 As shown, the target server may include a main BIOS, a backup BIOS, and a communication interface, as well as a management network card.

[0090] Establishing a communication connection between a main basic input and output system in the target server and a first port of a mainboard in the target server via a first switch;

[0091] Establishing a communication connection between the first port and the communication interface in the target server via the second switch;

[0092] establishing a communication connection between the main basic input and output system in the target server and the communication interface in the target server via a third switch;

[0093] Establishing a communication connection between the management board network card in the target server and the communication interface in the target server via the fourth switch;

[0094] establishing a communication connection between the standby basic input and output system in the target server and the second port of the mainboard in the target server via a fifth switch;

[0095] Establishing a communication connection between the second port and the communication interface in the target server via a sixth switch;

[0096] A communication connection is established between the standby basic input and output system in the target server and the communication interface in the target server via the seventh switch.

[0097] Specifically, in an optional example, the communication interface may be an Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI), that is, the first server 10 includes a first IPMI interface, and the second server 20 includes a second IPMI interface.

[0098] See Figure 3 As shown, a communication connection is established between the main BIOS in the target server and the first port of the motherboard in the target server via a first switch S1. A communication connection is established between the first port and the communication interface in the target server via a second switch S2, for example Figure 3 A communication connection is established between the main BIOS and the IPMI port via S2. A communication connection is established between the main BIOS and the IPMI in the target server via a third switch S3. A communication connection is established between the network card of the management board and the IPMI via a fourth switch S4. A communication connection is established between the standby BIOS and the second port of the mainboard via a fifth switch S5. A communication connection is established between the second port and the IPMI via a sixth switch S6. A communication connection is established between the standby BIOS and the IPMI in the target server via a seventh switch S7.

[0099] The target server controls the communication connection and disconnection between two components connected by different switches through the first to seventh switches. By closing or opening different switches, the target server switches between different operating modes. The specific control of the conduction or closure of the first to seventh switches can be achieved, for example, by controlling the level of the voltage, the enable signal, or other feasible methods. The operating modes of the target server may include, for example, an initial state mode, an emergency startup mode, a rescue mode, and a flash mode.

[0100] In an optional example, the switch may include an analog switch, a hardware switch, or an electrical component to implement the closing or opening function of the relevant switch, etc. The specific form of the switch is not limited here.

[0101] The following is a more detailed introduction to different working modes. Please refer to the following for details:

[0102] In an alternative example, see Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a structural diagram showing the target server in the initial state mode.

[0103] When the first switch, the fourth switch, and the fifth switch in the target server are closed, and the switches other than the first switch, the fourth switch, and the fifth switch are in the open state, the target server enters the initial state mode.

[0104] See also Figure 3 As shown, when the first switch is closed, a communication connection is established between the main BIOS and the first port of the mainboard. The connection between the first port and the IPMI is disconnected, and the main BIOS and IPMI are directly disconnected. A communication connection is established between the standby BIOS and the mainboard via S5. The standby BIOS and IPMI are disconnected. The second port of the mainboard and the IPMI are also directly disconnected. The management board network card and the IPMI are directly closed via S4, maintaining the communication connection.

[0105] At this point, the main BIOS chip and the backup BIOS chip are connected to the mainboard normally. The IPMI interface is connected to the management board network card and used as an out-of-band management network port. The initial state is that the server is working normally.

[0106] In another specific example, see Figure 4 As shown, when the second switch and the fifth switch in the target server are closed and the switches other than the second switch and the fifth switch are in the open state, the target server enters the emergency startup mode.

[0107] Specifically, switches S2 and S5 are closed, while the other switches remain open. The IPMI interface is disconnected from the management board's network card to prevent electrical signal interference with the out-of-band management Ethernet. The first port is exposed to the outside world through the IPMI interface. The backup BIOS remains connected to the motherboard. In emergency boot mode, you can use the rescue server to perform an emergency boot and attempt to repair the backup BIOS in the operating system.

[0108] In another specific example, see Figure 5 As shown, when the first switch and the seventh switch in the target server are closed and the switches other than the first switch and the seventh switch are in the open state, the target server enters the rescue mode.

[0109] Specifically, switches S1 and S7 are closed, while the other switches are open. This disconnects the IPMI interface from the management board's network card to prevent electrical signal interference with the out-of-band management Ethernet. The backup BIOS on the motherboard is exposed to the outside world through the IPMI interface. The main BIOS remains connected to the motherboard. In rescue mode, the backup BIOS can be provided to the faulty server for emergency booting.

[0110] In another specific example, see Figure 6 As shown, when the third switch and the fifth switch in the target server are closed, the target server enters the flash mode, unless the third switch and the fifth switch are in the open state.

[0111] Specifically, switches S3 and S5 are closed, while the other switches are open. This disconnects the IPMI interface from the management board's network interface card to prevent electrical signal interference with the out-of-band management Ethernet. The main BIOS on the motherboard is exposed to the outside world through the IPMI interface. The backup BIOS chip remains connected to the motherboard.

[0112] In flash mode, you can use a burner to burn and repair the main BIOS of this machine through the IPMI port.

[0113] In an alternative example, see Figure 7 As shown, the BIOS basic input and output system burning device includes:

[0114] A terminal device including a basic input and output system burner, a network cable, and a third communication interface;

[0115] The terminal device establishes a communication connection with the third communication interface pair via a network cable;

[0116] The third communication interface and the first communication interface of the first server 10 included in the first interface pair constitute a second interface pair;

[0117] A communication connection is established between the BIOS burning device and the first server 10 through the second interface pair.

[0118] See Figure 7 As shown, the terminal device is connected to the BIOS burner via a USB cable. The BIOS burner is connected to the codec via an output signal line. The codec converts the signal lines into eight lines, which are then connected to the server's IPMI interface via an RJ45 connector and a Gigabit straight-through cable. The faulty server is connected via the IPMI interface to perform fault repair work on the faulty server.

[0119] In an alternative example, something like Figure 7 The codec (third codec device) shown in FIG is actually an optional component. In addition, the first server 10 may also include: a first codec device; the second server 20 may also include: a second codec device.

[0120] The encoding and decoding device, also known as the codec, addresses the issue of varying BIOS pin counts across different brands and specifications. The codec utilizes mature technology. For example, the codec can utilize the principles of multiplexers and demultiplexers to convert 16-pin data into 8-line data, or convert data from any number of pins into 8-line data for transmission and vice versa. Specifically, if the BIOS chip has 8 pins, the codec can be omitted.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the first server 10 and the second server 20 both use their own processors to perform corresponding operations, such as fault detection, controlling the closing or opening of various switches, and entering the operating system to complete fault repair. However, in actual applications, these operations can also be performed by additional terminal devices or through user operations.

[0122] In a specific example, a terminal device can establish a communication connection with different servers. Furthermore, certain detection methods can be used to monitor the operating status of the primary and backup BIOS in different servers. If a server's primary and backup BIOS are both faulty, the remote control interface can be used to control other servers that have not experienced the BIOS failure as rescue servers to perform the aforementioned fault repair operations. Alternatively, the corresponding fault repair work can be completed using a BIOS burning device connected to the terminal device. Furthermore, the remote control interface can also display the operating status of different servers.

[0123] In this embodiment, a basic input / output system repair method is provided, which can be used in the basic input / output system repair device mentioned above. Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for repairing a basic input / output system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0124] Step S801: When the first server detects that both the first main BIOS and the first backup BIOS included in the first server fail, the first server enters an emergency start mode.

[0125] Among them, the first server enters the emergency startup mode, including: disconnecting the communication connection between the first main basic input and output system and the first mainboard included in the first server, and maintaining the communication connection between the first backup basic input and output system and the first mainboard; sending a notification message to the second server, the notification message is used to indicate that both the first main basic input and output system and the first backup basic input and output system in the first server have failed.

[0126] Step S802: The second server controls itself to enter a rescue mode according to the notification message.

[0127] Among them, the second server enters the rescue mode, including: maintaining a communication connection between the second main basic input and output system in the second server and the second mainboard, disconnecting the communication connection between the second standby basic input and output system and the second mainboard, and establishing a communication connection between the second standby basic input and output system and the first mainboard through a preconfigured first interface pair.

[0128] Step S803 : After the first server controls the first mainboard to successfully enter the operating system through the second standby BIOS, it uses the firmware flashing tool in the operating system to complete the repair operation on the first standby BIOS.

[0129] Step S804 : When the first server determines that the repair operation of the first standby BIOS is completed, the connection between the first server and the second server is disconnected.

[0130] Step S805 : After the first server completes the restart operation of the first server using the first backup basic input and output system, the first server controls the first mainboard to enter the operating system.

[0131] Step S806: The first server uses a firmware flashing tool in the operating system to complete a repair operation on the first master BIOS.

[0132] The above method steps have been described in detail in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0133] The following is a specific example to illustrate the overall operation process of the above method of the present application. Figure 9 shown.

[0134] The server cannot start because of a BIOS failure due to improper maintenance or other reasons.

[0135] Prepare a normal server of the same model as the rescue server. The faulty server and the rescue server are in the initial state by default. Figure 10 As shown, the faulty server is placed in emergency boot mode. On the faulty server, switch S4 between the management board's network card and the IPMI interface is disconnected, switch S1 between the main BIOS and the motherboard is disconnected, and switch S2 between the main BIOS motherboard connection point and the codec is closed. All other switches remain in their initial states. This is equivalent to removing the main BIOS chip and exposing the corresponding contacts on the motherboard through the IPMI interface.

[0136] On the rescue server, put the control switch into rescue mode, such as Figure 10 As shown, switch S4' between the management board's network card and the IPMI interface is disconnected. Switch S1' between the backup BIOS chip and the mainboard is open. Switch S7' between the backup BIOS pins and the codec is closed, and all other switches remain in their initial state. At this point, the rescue server can maintain normal operation because the primary BIOS is online. The backup BIOS chip is exposed through the IPMI interface.

[0137] Use a straight-through network cable to directly connect the IPMI interface of the faulty server and the IPMI interface of the rescue server, and mount the backup BIOS chip of the rescue server to the mainboard of the faulty server.

[0138] The failed server boots through the backup BIOS chip on the rescue server, completing the emergency boot of the device. The expected situation is that the operating system can be entered normally, and the emergency boot is completed.

[0139] At this time, you can rescue and repair the business system and data. After the business application and data backup are completed, you can proceed to the next step of repair, that is, repair the backup BIOS. For details, see the following:

[0140] After the faulty server enters the operating system, use the BIOS flash tool in the operating system to flash the spare BIOS chip. Because the BIOS flash tool in the operating system is powerful, the success rate of the repair is high.

[0141] Reset both the failed server and the rescue server to their default state and disconnect the direct line between the IPMI interfaces. Restart the failed server, which will now boot from the backup BIOS. After entering the operating system, perform a flash repair on the primary BIOS chip. Once the primary BIOS is successfully flashed, the repair is complete.

[0142] In an optional example, if the flashing of the backup BIOS chip fails under the operating system, a repair work needs to be performed using a burner.

[0143] At this point, you can restore the rescue server to its original state and disconnect the direct line between the IPMI interface of the faulty server and the rescue server. Switch the faulty server to flash mode. At this time, the main BIOS of the faulty server is directly exposed to the outside through the IPMI interface via the codec. Figure 7 The BIOS burner shown is connected to the IPMI interface of the faulty server via an RJ45 interface, and can burn the main BIOS to complete the repair of the main BIOS.

[0144] On this basis, the faulty server is switched to rescue mode. At this time, the backup BIOS of the faulty server is directly exposed to the outside through the IPMI interface via the codec. Figure 7 The BIOS burner shown is connected to the IPMI interface of the faulty server via the RJ45 interface to burn the backup BIOS and complete the repair of the backup BIOS chip. At this point, the repair is complete.

[0145] In the basic input / output system repair method provided in this embodiment, when a first server detects that both its first main BIOS and first backup BIOS have failed, it indicates that it cannot perform normal fault recovery and therefore needs to enter emergency boot mode. Subsequently, a notification message is sent to the second server, which, in response to the notification message, enters rescue mode. In this way, the first server can control the first mainboard to enter the operating system through the second backup BIOS, and then use the firmware flashing tool in the operating system to complete the repair of the first backup BIOS. After the first backup BIOS is successfully repaired, the first mainboard can subsequently perform an emergency boot using the first backup BIOS to enter the operating system, and then complete the repair of the first main BIOS through the operating system. Therefore, after the first backup BIOS is successfully repaired, the connection between the first server and the second server can be disconnected. In this method, although two servers of the same type are used to perform the fault recovery operation, the connection between the second server's mainboard and the second main BIOS remains intact throughout the entire operation. Therefore, the repair operation on the first server does not affect the service processing of the second server at all. Furthermore, since the first main BIOS and the first backup BIOS in the first server are not disassembled during the entire process, the requirements for staff are not too high. This solution has a wider range of applications, especially when compared to some servers where the BIOS chip is directly soldered to the motherboard. Furthermore, the firmware flashing tool used in this application document is under the operating system, which has a higher success rate than the firmware flashing tool built into the BMC.

[0146] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such modifications and variations are all within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A basic input and output system repair device, characterized in that: The device comprises: a first server, configured to, upon detecting that both a first primary BIOS and a first backup BIOS included in the first server have failed, enter an emergency startup mode: disconnect the communication between the first primary BIOS and a first mainboard included in the first server, while maintaining the communication between the first backup BIOS and the first mainboard; and send a notification message to a second server, the notification message being used to indicate that both the first primary BIOS and the first backup BIOS in the first server have failed; The second server is configured to control itself to enter a rescue mode according to the notification message: a second primary basic input / output system in the second server maintains a communication connection with the second mainboard, a communication connection between a second standby basic input / output system and the second mainboard is disconnected, and the second standby basic input / output system establishes a communication connection with the first mainboard through a preconfigured first interface pair; The first server is further configured to control the first mainboard to successfully enter the operating system through the second backup basic input / output system, and then use the firmware flashing tool in the operating system to complete the repair operation of the first backup basic input / output system; when it is determined that the repair operation of the first backup basic input / output system is completed, disconnect the connection between the first server and the second server; control the first mainboard to enter the operating system after completing the restart operation of the first server using the first backup basic input / output system; and use the firmware flashing tool in the operating system to complete the repair operation of the first main basic input / output system.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The device also includes: a basic input and output system burning device; The first server is further configured to, when controlling the first mainboard to enter the operating system via the second backup basic input / output system fails, disconnect the first server from the second server and enter a flash mode, wherein the flash mode includes: establishing a communication connection between the first main basic input / output system and the first interface pair; Controlling the basic input and output system burning device to complete the flashing operation on the first main basic input and output system; After the flashing operation on the first primary basic input and output system is completed, the first server enters a rescue mode; The basic input and output system burning device is controlled to complete the flashing operation on the first standby basic input and output system.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The target server further includes a management board network card, and the target server includes the first server and the second server; the first interface pair includes a first communication interface in the first server and a second communication interface in the second server; Establishing a communication connection between the main basic input and output system in the target server and the first port of the mainboard in the target server via a first switch; Establishing a communication connection between the first port and the communication interface in the target server via a second switch; Establishing a communication connection between the main basic input and output system in the target server and the communication interface in the target server via a third switch; Establishing a communication connection between the management board network card in the target server and the communication interface in the target server via a fourth switch; Establishing a communication connection between the standby basic input and output system in the target server and the second port of the mainboard in the target server via a fifth switch; Establishing a communication connection between the second port and the communication interface in the target server via a sixth switch; Establishing a communication connection between the standby basic input and output system in the target server and the communication interface in the target server via a seventh switch; The target server completes the switching of the working mode by controlling the closing or opening of multiple switches from the first switch to the seventh switch, wherein the working modes include initial state mode, emergency startup mode, rescue mode, and flash mode.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that When the second switch and the fifth switch in the target server are closed and the switches except the second switch and the fifth switch are in an open state, the target server enters an emergency startup mode.

5. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that When the first switch and the seventh switch in the target server are closed and the switches except the first switch and the seventh switch are in an open state, the target server enters a rescue mode.

6. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that When the third switch and the fifth switch in the target server are closed, unless the third switch and the fifth switch are in an open state, the target server enters a flash mode.

7. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that When the first switch, the fourth switch, and the fifth switch in the target server are closed and the switches other than the first switch, the fourth switch, and the fifth switch are in the open state, the target server enters the initial state mode.

8. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The basic input and output system burning device includes: A terminal device including a basic input and output system burner, a network cable, and a third communication interface; The terminal device establishes a communication connection with the third communication interface pair via the network cable; The third communication interface and the first communication interface of the first server included in the first interface pair constitute a second interface pair; A communication connection is established between the BIOS burning device and the first server through the second interface pair.

9. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The first server further includes: a first encoding and decoding device; the second server further includes: a second encoding and decoding device; the basic input and output system burning device further includes: a third encoding and decoding device.

10. A method for repairing a basic input / output system, characterized in that: The method is applied to the basic input and output system repair device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the method comprises: When the first server detects that both the first main BIOS and the first backup BIOS included in the first server have failed, the first server enters an emergency startup mode: the first main BIOS is disconnected from the first mainboard included in the first server, while the first backup BIOS maintains the communication connection with the first mainboard; and a notification message is sent to the second server, where the notification message is used to indicate that both the first main BIOS and the first backup BIOS in the first server have failed; The second server controls itself to enter a rescue mode according to the notification message: a second primary BIOS in the second server maintains a communication connection with the second mainboard, a communication connection between a second backup BIOS and the second mainboard is disconnected, and the second backup BIOS establishes a communication connection with the first mainboard via a preconfigured first interface pair; After the first server controls the first mainboard to successfully enter the operating system through the second backup basic input and output system, the first server uses the firmware flashing tool in the operating system to complete the repair operation of the first backup basic input and output system; when it is determined that the repair operation of the first backup basic input and output system is completed, the connection between the first server and the second server is disconnected; after the first server is restarted by using the first backup basic input and output system, the first mainboard is controlled to enter the operating system; and the firmware flashing tool in the operating system is used to complete the repair operation of the first main basic input and output system.

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