Server and server management method

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a server and a server management method. The server comprises a baseboard management controller, a main processor and a plurality of nodes, and the baseboard management controller is connected with the main processor and is configured to monitor and manage the main processor; the main processor is indirectly connected with the plurality of nodes and is configured to monitor and manage the plurality of nodes; the plurality of nodes are configured to perform compute tasks under management of the host processor. According to the server provided by the embodiment of the invention, through a three-section management architecture of the baseboard management controller-the main processor-the nodes, a complex node management task can be processed by the main processor, decoupling between machine room operation and maintenance and services is realized, direct perception of a machine room operation and maintenance team to node resources can be effectively shielded, and the reliability of the server is improved. And operation and maintenance flow standardization is realized.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a server and a server management method. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, the demand for computing power of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is growing rapidly, and the growth rate of such demand is still increasing. At the same time, the energy consumption required to train AI models also presents an exponential growth trend. In the field of chip design, the performance-power-area (PPA) is usually used as a measurement index, that is, the energy consumption per unit area. In order to cope with the increasing demand for high computing power in AI application scenarios, it is urgent to implement a computing solution with high performance, high density and low power consumption. SUMMARY

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, which are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter's scope.

[0004] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a server, comprising: a baseboard management controller, a main processor and a plurality of nodes, wherein the baseboard management controller is connected with the main processor and is configured to monitor and manage the main processor; the main processor is indirectly connected with the plurality of nodes and is configured to monitor and manage the plurality of nodes; and the plurality of nodes are configured to perform computing tasks under the management of the main processor.

[0005] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a server management method, comprising: monitoring and managing a main processor connected with a baseboard management controller by the baseboard management controller; monitoring and managing a plurality of nodes indirectly connected with the main processor by the main processor, so that the plurality of nodes perform computing tasks under the management of the main processor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements. It is to be understood that the drawings are schematic, and the proportions of the various elements do not necessarily bear the same scale as in reality.

[0007] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a server provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1;

[0008] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a control link provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a network link provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram of a server provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 5A A front view of a server single cabinet provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 5B A rear view of a server single cabinet provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 6 A flow chart of a server management method provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of an electronic device provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. While certain embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it is understood that the present disclosure can be embodied in various forms and should not be interpreted in a limited sense as set forth in the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure can be more thoroughly and completely understood.

[0016] It should be understood that each of the steps recited in the method embodiments of the present disclosure can be performed in different orders and / or in parallel. In addition, the method embodiments can include additional steps and / or omit the steps shown. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0017] The term "comprising" and variations thereof as used herein are used in the inclusive sense and mean "including but not limited to". The term "based on" means "based, at least in part, on". The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment". The term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments". Related definitions are given throughout the detailed description.

[0018] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like in the present disclosure are used only to distinguish different devices, modules or units, and do not imply the order or interdependence of the functions performed by these devices, modules or units.

[0019] It should be noted that the modification of "one", "multiple" mentioned in the present disclosure is illustrative but not restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that "one or more" should be understood unless otherwise explicitly indicated in the context.

[0020] The names of the messages or information exchanged between the plurality of devices in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for illustrative purposes, and are not used to limit the scope of the messages or information.

[0021] The inventors of the present disclosure noticed that in the existing server management architecture, the baseboard management controller (BMC) is usually used to directly manage multiple nodes, which means that the data center operation and maintenance team needs to be directly involved in the management at the node level, resulting in the close coupling between the data center operation and maintenance and the specific business. Specifically, when the business requirements change, the operation and maintenance strategy needs to be frequently updated to adapt to the new business requirements, increasing the complexity of the operation and maintenance work. Moreover, in the existing server management architecture, the data center operation and maintenance team needs to manage a large number of nodes, and different nodes may be based on different architecture designs, resulting in inconsistency of operation and maintenance tools or processes, affecting the operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0022] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a server, which comprises a baseboard management controller, a main processor and a plurality of nodes, the baseboard management controller is connected with the main processor and is configured to monitor and manage the main processor; the main processor is indirectly connected with the plurality of nodes and is configured to monitor and manage the plurality of nodes; the plurality of nodes are configured to execute computing tasks under the management of the main processor.

[0023] The server provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure introduces a three-segment management architecture of baseboard management controller-main processor-node, in which the baseboard management controller is responsible for managing the main processor, and the main processor further manages the plurality of nodes. Through the three-segment management architecture, the complex node management task can be handed over to the main processor for processing, realizing the decoupling between the data center operation and maintenance and the business, and effectively shielding the direct perception of the node resources by the data center operation and maintenance team, realizing the standardization of the operation and maintenance process. From the perspective of the data center operation and maintenance team, only the baseboard management controller needs to be interacted.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a server provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] For example, as Figure 1As shown, the server 100 provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a baseboard management controller 101, a main processor 102, and a plurality of nodes 103. The baseboard management controller 101 is connected with the main processor 102 and is configured to monitor and manage the main processor 102. The main processor 102 is indirectly connected with the plurality of nodes 103 and is configured to monitor and manage the plurality of nodes. The plurality of nodes 103 are configured to perform computing tasks under the management of the main processor 102.

[0026] For example, the server provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure can be used alone, or can be used as part of a server cluster to provide more powerful processing capability to meet various application scenarios. For example, the server can be applied to the field of cloud computing to support Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), etc. For example, the server can also be applied to the fields of high-performance computing, big data analysis, data center, etc.

[0027] For example, one of the main functions of the baseboard management controller is to automatically monitor the running state of the server, mainly including the health status of each hardware. The baseboard management controller monitors the health status of each hardware, obtains the information of each hardware, which helps the operation and maintenance personnel to understand the running status of the server in a timely manner and ensures the normal operation of the server; when the server has a problem, the baseboard management controller sends fault information to the operation and maintenance personnel through logs to assist the operation and maintenance personnel in fault positioning. The baseboard management controller can also support bandwidth management of the server to ensure the stability and performance of the network connection of the server. The baseboard management controller can also provide installation capability, that is, support the initialization configuration and installation process of the server. For example, the baseboard management controller belongs to the management of the machine room operation and maintenance team, which realizes the monitoring and management of the server hardware. The machine room refers to a physical space used to accommodate servers, storage devices and other network infrastructure.

[0028] For example, the baseboard management controller can be connected with the main processor through a physical link such as a Low Pin Count (LPC) bus or an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus, which can be selected according to different design requirements, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific physical link adopted. For example, the baseboard management controller also supports interaction with the main processor through an Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) protocol and a Redfish protocol, which can realize remote access and control of server hardware, control of power state, execution of system reset, etc.

[0029] IPMI protocol is a standard protocol for remotely managing and monitoring computer systems, which allows system administrators to remotely control and monitor systems such as servers, network devices, etc. through a network, including access and operation of hardware status, sensor monitoring, power management, event recording, etc.

[0030] Redfish is a management standard based on HTTPs service, which realizes device management through RESTful interface. Each HTTPs operation submits or returns a resource or result in JSON format encoded in UTF-8. This technology has the advantages of reducing development complexity, easy implementation, easy use, and provides scalability advantage, leaving space for design flexibility.

[0031] For example, the main processor can be a central processing unit (CPU) or system on chip (SoC) of ARM, RISC-V or X86 architecture, which can be selected according to different design requirements, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this. For example, the main processor belongs to platform management, and needs to develop corresponding drivers and applications according to hardware design. For example, the platform refers to the software layer built on the hardware foundation in the machine room, which is used to manage and provide computing resources to tenants. For example, the platform can be a cloud service platform.

[0032] For example, the node can be a central processing unit or system on chip of ARM, RISC-V or X86 architecture, which can be selected according to different design requirements, and the selection of multiple nodes can be the same or different, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this. For example, the node can provide necessary computing resources and perform computing tasks. It should be noted that the number of nodes is not limited by the embodiments of the present disclosure, and more or fewer nodes can be selected according to the specific needs of the computing task. For example, the node is managed by the tenant, and the tenant can configure and use the node according to his own needs to run his own applications and services. For example, the tenant refers to an individual user or organization, who registers an account on the platform and uses the resources and services provided by the platform.

[0033] The server provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure introduces a three-section management architecture of baseboard management controller-main processor-node, wherein the baseboard management controller is responsible for managing the main processor, and the main processor further manages multiple nodes. Through the three-section management architecture, complex node management tasks can be handled by the main processor, decoupling the machine room operation and maintenance from the business, and effectively shielding the direct perception of node resources by the machine room operation and maintenance team, realizing the standardization of operation and maintenance process. From the perspective of the machine room operation and maintenance team, only interaction with the baseboard management controller is needed.

[0034] In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the main processor is connected with the plurality of nodes through a control link, and the control link includes a first link, a second link and a third link.

[0035] For example, the main processor is configured to issue initialization information to the plurality of nodes through the first link. In some examples, the first link includes a serial asynchronous communication controller, and the main processor is further configured to be connected to the serial asynchronous communication controller, and the serial asynchronous communication controller is connected with the plurality of nodes to issue the initialization information to the plurality of nodes. For example, the main processor can be connected to the serial asynchronous communication controller through a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) bus, and the serial asynchronous communication controller has a plurality of output ports connected to different nodes respectively. For example, the serial asynchronous communication controller can be a Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) controller.

[0036] For example, the main processor is configured to load an operating system to the plurality of nodes through the second link. In some examples, the second link includes a multi-level Universal Serial Bus (USB) switch, and the main processor is further configured to be connected to the multi-level USB switch, and the multi-level USB switch is connected with the plurality of nodes to load the operating system to the plurality of nodes. For example, the main processor can be connected to the multi-level USB switch through a USB bus.

[0037] For example, the main processor is configured to control power supply and state switching of the plurality of nodes through the third link. In some examples, the third link includes a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and the main processor is further configured to be connected to the CPLD, and the CPLD is connected with the plurality of nodes to control power supply and state switching of the plurality of nodes. For example, the main processor can be connected to the CPLD through an I2C bus, and the CPLD has a plurality of output ports connected to different nodes respectively.

[0038] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the control link is provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] For example, as shown in Figure 2 the main processor is connected with the plurality of nodes through the first link, the second link and the third link respectively. It should be noted that, Figure 2 the number of nodes shown is only an example, and in fact can include more or fewer nodes.

[0040] The first link includes a serial asynchronous communication controller, the main processor is connected to the serial asynchronous communication controller, the serial asynchronous communication controller has a plurality of output ports, which are respectively connected to different nodes to issue initialization information to the plurality of nodes. The second link includes a multi-stage universal serial bus (USB) switch, the main processor is connected to the multi-stage universal serial bus switch, and the multi-stage universal serial bus switch is connected with the plurality of nodes to load an operating system to the plurality of nodes. It should be noted that Figure 2 The number of stages and the number of the universal serial bus switches shown are only an example, and can be set according to actual needs. The third link includes a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), the main processor is connected to the complex programmable logic device, and the complex programmable logic device has a plurality of output ports, which are respectively connected to different nodes to control the power supply and state switching of the plurality of nodes.

[0041] The server provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure can realize complete control of the nodes through the control link between the main processor and the plurality of nodes. This control link is an out-of-band management link. Even in the case that the nodes cannot be normally started or the network service is interrupted, the main processor can perform critical management operations such as restarting the nodes and changing the configuration settings through this dedicated control link, which is crucial for maintaining the stability and reliability of the system.

[0042] For example, in some examples, the plurality of nodes can be organized in an array form.

[0043] In the server provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by integrating the plurality of nodes in one server, the plurality of nodes are organized into a computing cluster in an array form, and high-density computing power can be provided. This array form of organization reduces the number of cables and interfaces used to connect different physical servers in a traditional server, which helps to reduce energy loss in the signal transmission process, thereby ensuring a lower power consumption level. In addition, through the array form of organization, hardware isolation is achieved between the nodes, which provides higher isolation security compared to containers, virtual machines and the like.

[0044] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a network link provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the main processor is connected with the plurality of nodes through a network link. For example, as Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the network link includes a first switch, a plurality of second switches and a plurality of first physical layer chips. The main processor is configured to be connected with the plurality of second switches through the first switch; and the plurality of second switches are connected with the plurality of nodes through the plurality of first physical layer chips. For example, the components in the above network link are connected through network ports. For example, the main processor and the first switch are also connected through a PCIE physical link.

[0046] It should be noted that, Figure 3 The number of the second switches, the physical layer chips and the nodes is only an illustrative example, and the number of these components can be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, the number of the second switches can be increased or decreased according to the requirements of system size and network topology, and the number of the physical layer chips can be adjusted according to the number of nodes and bandwidth requirements.

[0047] For example, the first switch can be a aggregation switch, and the second switch can be an access switch, and the first switch and the plurality of second switches are built-in in a server chassis. For example, the physical layer chip is used to process data transmission of the physical layer, such as signal conversion, modulation and demodulation, etc. In this embodiment, the multi-layer switch is composed of a Channelization Ethernet Switching (ces), also known as Channelization over Ethernet (coe), to form a switching system, which facilitates network management.

[0048] For example, as shown in Figure 3 The first switch can also be connected to a third switch through a second physical layer chip. For example, the uplink port of the first switch is connected to the second physical layer chip, and a high-speed optical communication interface module such as a Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) optical module or a Dual Small Form-factor Pluggable (DSFP) optical module is connected to the third switch. For example, the third switch can be a Top of Rack (TOR) switch to realize the connection between multiple servers. For example, the third switch can be arranged in a computer room.

[0049] The server provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure adopts a three-layer switching network to realize full connection between nodes, can freely arrange network morphology, and forms a neural morphological computing structure. This means that direct communication between any two nodes can be supported, which helps to improve the flexibility and scalability of the computing structure.

[0050] In some embodiments, the ces or coe can not be composed, but the switches can be configured separately. For example, the network link includes a plurality of second switches and a plurality of first physical layer chips; the host processor is connected to the plurality of nodes through the plurality of second switches and the plurality of first physical layer chips.

[0051] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram of a server provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] For example, as shown in Figure 4 The server 200 provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main processor carrier board module 201, a node carrier board module 202, and a bridge board module 203.

[0053] For example, the main processor carrier board module 201 is configured to carry the main processor 102, the baseboard management controller 101, and at least part of the network link, and the main processor 102 is configured to support hot plugging. For example, the first switch and the plurality of second switches in the network link described in the at least one embodiment can be arranged on the main processor carrier board module. For example, the main processor can be plugged on the main processor carrier board module through a socket connector, and the hot plugging of the main processor does not affect the normal operation of any node.

[0054] For example, the node carrier board module 202 is configured to carry at least one node 103 and support hot plugging. It should be noted that the number of node carrier board modules and the number of nodes carried on each node carrier board module can be designed according to actual needs, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this. For example, the influence range of the hot plugging of a single node carrier board module is all the nodes on the node carrier board module, and the remaining node carrier board modules are not affected.

[0055] For example, the bridge board module 203 is configured to connect the main processor carrier board module 201 and the node carrier board module 202, and the bridge board module 203 is configured to support hot plugging. For example, the control link and the plurality of first physical layer chips in the network link described in the at least one embodiment can be arranged on the bridge board module. It should be noted that each bridge board module can connect one or more node carrier board modules, and the number of bridge board modules and the number of node carrier board modules connected by each bridge board module can be designed according to actual needs, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0056] For example, as shown in Figure 4 The server 200 provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a heat dissipation module 204 and a power module 205.

[0057] For example, the heat dissipation module 204 is configured to be controlled by the baseboard management controller 202 and support hot plugging. For example, the heat dissipation module includes a plurality of fans, and the fans support hot plugging. For example, the baseboard management controller monitors the temperature power consumption information of the whole server, and controls the fan speed in the heat dissipation module according to the temperature power consumption information.

[0058] For example, power module 205 is configured to supply power to the various modules in server 200 and supports hot-swapping. For example, the power module provides dual / quad-redundant power. For example, the power supplies for the main processor and nodes are isolated, while the switch is powered continuously, meaning that the main processor can be replaced without interrupting power or network access to the nodes.

[0059] The server provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure features a modular design, facilitating fault maintenance and hardware upgrades for individual modules. For example, the main processor carrier board module, node carrier board module, bridge board module, heat dissipation module, and power supply module can all be modularly replaced and upgraded according to business needs. For instance, if the main processor fails while distributing network configuration information to switches at various levels, it will not affect the service traffic of existing normal nodes, but only the distribution of new network configurations, thus not impacting existing services.

[0060] For example, in some examples, the server provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure is configured in a single chassis.

[0061] Figure 5A This is a front view of a single server chassis provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5B This is a rear view of a server chassis provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] For example, such as Figure 5A , Figure 5B As shown, multiple node carrier board modules 202 are arranged sequentially at one end of the server chassis, while a heat dissipation module 204 and a power supply module 205 are located at the other end of the server chassis. The heat dissipation module 204 includes multiple fans, and the power supply module 205 includes multiple power supplies. The main processor carrier board module and the bridge board module are located in the middle of the server chassis (not shown in the figure).

[0063] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a server management method provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0064] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the server management method provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure includes the following steps S301 to S302. This server management method is applicable to the server provided in the above-described at least one embodiment.

[0065] Step S301: Monitor and manage the main processor connected to the baseboard management controller through the baseboard management controller.

[0066] Step S302: Monitor and manage multiple nodes indirectly connected to the main processor through the main processor, so that the multiple nodes perform computing tasks under the management of the main processor.

[0067] For specific details regarding steps S301 to S302, please refer to the description of the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device provided for at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference is made below. Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a structural schematic of an electronic device 700 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic devices in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, mobile terminals such as mobile phones, laptops, digital broadcast receivers, PDAs (personal digital assistants), PADs (tablet computers), PMPs (portable multimedia players), in-vehicle terminals (e.g., in-vehicle navigation terminals), and fixed terminals such as digital TVs and desktop computers. Figure 7 The electronic device shown is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the functionality and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, the electronic device 700 may include a processing unit (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processor, etc.) 701, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 702 or a program loaded from a storage device 706 into a random access memory (RAM) 703. The RAM 703 also stores various programs and data required for the operation of the electronic device 700. The processing unit 701, ROM 702, and RAM 703 are interconnected via a bus 704. An input / output (I / O) interface 705 is also connected to the bus 704.

[0070] Typically, the following devices can be connected to I / O interface 705: input devices 706 including, for example, touchscreens, touchpads, keyboards, mice, cameras, microphones, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.; output devices 707 including, for example, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), speakers, vibrators, etc.; storage devices 706 including, for example, magnetic tapes, hard disks, etc.; and communication devices 709. Communication device 709 allows electronic device 700 to communicate wirelessly or wiredly with other devices to exchange data. Although Figure 7 An electronic device 700 with various devices is shown; however, it should be understood that it is not required to implement or possess all of the devices shown. More or fewer devices may be implemented or possessed alternatively.

[0071] In particular, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as a computer software program according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the computer program comprising program code for performing the methods illustrated by the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via the communication device 709, or installed from the storage device 706, or installed from the ROM 702. When the computer program is executed by the processing device 701, the above-mentioned functions defined in the methods of embodiments of the present disclosure are performed.

[0072] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium described above in the present disclosure can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium or any combination thereof. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium can include, but are not limited to, an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In the present disclosure, the computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In the present disclosure, the computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in baseband or propagated as a carrier wave in a propagated data signal, in which the computer-readable program code is carried. Such a propagated data signal can take a variety of forms, including but not limited to electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. The computer-readable signal medium can also be any computer-readable medium that can be used to carry or store program code for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained in the computer-readable medium can be transmitted by any suitable medium, including but not limited to wire, cable, RF (radio frequency), or any suitable combination thereof.

[0073] In some embodiments, the client, server, or other computing machines utilized by the embodiments can communicate using any known or future developed end-to-end networking protocol, such as the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and can be interconnected with any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include a local area network ("LAN"), a wide area network ("WAN"), the Internet, and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks), as well as any current or future developed network.

[0074] The computer-readable medium described above can be included in the electronic device described above; alternatively, the computer-readable medium can exist as a standalone entity.

[0075] The computer-readable medium described above carries one or more programs which, when executed by the electronic device, cause the electronic device to: monitor and manage, by the baseboard management controller, a host processor connected to the baseboard management controller; monitor and manage, by the host processor, a plurality of nodes indirectly connected to the host processor, so that the plurality of nodes perform a computing task under the management of the host processor.

[0076] Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code can execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network ("LAN") or a wide area network ("WAN"), or the connection can be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0077] The computer program product of the first aspect can include a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium can include instructions embedded or transcribed in it. The instructions can be executable by a processor of a server. The instructions can include instructions for monitoring and managing a main processor of the server, and instructions for monitoring and managing a plurality of nodes of the server. The instructions for monitoring and managing the main processor can include instructions for monitoring and managing a baseboard management controller of the server. The instructions for monitoring and managing the plurality of nodes can include instructions for indirectly connecting the main processor with the plurality of nodes, and instructions for monitoring and managing the plurality of nodes under management of the main processor. The instructions for indirectly connecting the main processor with the plurality of nodes can include instructions for connecting the main processor with the baseboard management controller, and instructions for connecting the baseboard management controller with the plurality of nodes. The instructions for monitoring and managing the plurality of nodes under management of the main processor can include instructions for executing a computing task by the plurality of nodes under management of the main processor.

[0078] The functions described above in the detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Program-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Program-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc.

[0079] In the context of the present disclosure, a machine-readable medium can be a tangible medium that contains or stores a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The machine-readable medium can be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. A machine-readable medium can include but is not limited to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the machine-readable storage medium will include one or more of: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0080] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, example 1 provides a server, comprising: a baseboard management controller, a main processor, and a plurality of nodes, wherein the baseboard management controller is connected with the main processor and is configured to monitor and manage the main processor; the main processor is indirectly connected with the plurality of nodes and is configured to monitor and manage the plurality of nodes; and the plurality of nodes are configured to execute a computing task under management of the main processor.

[0081] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, example 2 provides the server of example 1, wherein the main processor is connected with the plurality of nodes through a control link, the plurality of nodes are organized in an array form; the control link comprises a first link, a second link and a third link, the main processor is configured to issue initialization information to the plurality of nodes through the first link; the main processor is configured to load an operating system to the plurality of nodes through the second link; the main processor is configured to control power supply and state switching of the plurality of nodes through the third link.

[0082] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, example 3 provides the server of example 2, wherein the first link comprises a serial asynchronous communication controller, the main processor is further configured to be connected to the serial asynchronous communication controller, the serial asynchronous communication controller is connected with the plurality of nodes to issue initialization information to the plurality of nodes.

[0083] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, example 4 provides the server of example 2, wherein the second link comprises a multi-level universal serial bus switch, the main processor is further configured to be connected to the multi-level universal serial bus switch, the multi-level universal serial bus switch is connected with the plurality of nodes to load an operating system to the plurality of nodes.

[0084] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, example 5 provides the server of example 2, wherein the third link comprises a complex programmable logic device, the main processor is further configured to be connected to the complex programmable logic device, the complex programmable logic device is connected with the plurality of nodes to control power supply and state switching of the plurality of nodes.

[0085] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, example 6 provides the server of example 1, wherein the main processor is connected with the plurality of nodes through a network link, the network link comprises a first switch, a plurality of second switches and a plurality of first physical layer chips; the main processor is configured to be connected with the plurality of second switches through the first switch; the plurality of second switches are connected with the plurality of nodes through the plurality of first physical layer chips.

[0086] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, example 7 provides the server of example 6, wherein the first switch is further connected to a third switch through a second physical layer chip.

[0087] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, example 8 provides the server of example 1, wherein the main processor is connected with the plurality of nodes through network links, and the network links comprise a plurality of second switches and a plurality of first physical layer chips; and the main processor is connected with the plurality of nodes through the plurality of second switches and the plurality of first physical layer chips.

[0088] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, example 9 provides the server of example 1, further comprising: a main processor carrier board module configured to carry the main processor, the baseboard management controller and at least part of the network links, wherein the main processor is configured to support hot plug; a node carrier board module configured to carry at least one node and support hot plug; and a bridge board module configured to connect the main processor carrier board module and the node carrier board module, wherein the bridge board module is configured to support hot plug.

[0089] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, example 10 provides the server of example 1, further comprising: a heat dissipation module configured to be controlled by the baseboard management controller and support hot plug; and a power module configured to supply power to each module in the server and support hot plug.

[0090] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, example 11 provides the server of example 1, wherein the server is arranged in a single cabinet.

[0091] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, example 12 provides a server management method, comprising: monitoring and managing a main processor by a baseboard management controller; and monitoring and managing a plurality of nodes by the main processor, so that the plurality of nodes perform a computing task.

[0092] The above description is merely preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and a description of the principles of the technology applied. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosed scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the technical solutions formed by the specific combinations of the above technical features, and also covers other technical solutions formed by any combinations of the above technical features or equivalent features without departing from the disclosed concept. For example, the above features are replaced with each other to form technical solutions with similar functions disclosed in the present disclosure (but not limited to).

[0093] Moreover, while operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such an order nor infringing on the scope of the disclosure. Certain of the operations described in the discussion are combinable into a single operation, and certain operations can be separated into several operations. In some embodiments, the operations described in the discussion can be performed in an order different than presented in the discussion. In some embodiments, the operations described in the discussion can be performed concurrently. Also, while several specific implementation details are discussed in the discussion, these should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Rather, certain features described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0094] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A server, comprising: The baseboard management controller, main processor, and multiple nodes, among which, The baseboard management controller is connected to the main processor and is configured to monitor and manage the main processor. The main processor is indirectly connected to the plurality of nodes and is configured to monitor and manage the plurality of nodes. The plurality of nodes are configured to perform computing tasks under the management of the main processor.

2. The server according to claim 1, wherein, The main processor is connected to the plurality of nodes via a control link, and the plurality of nodes are organized in an array. The control links include: a first link, a second link, and a third link. The main processor is configured to send initialization information to the plurality of nodes through the first link; The main processor is configured to load the operating system to the plurality of nodes via the second link; The main processor is configured to control the power supply and state switching of the plurality of nodes via the third link.

3. The server according to claim 2, wherein, The first link includes a serial asynchronous communication controller. The main processor is further configured to connect to the serial asynchronous communication controller, which is connected to the plurality of nodes to send initialization information to the plurality of nodes.

4. The server according to claim 2, wherein, The second link includes a multi-level universal serial bus switch. The main processor is further configured to be connected to the multilevel universal serial bus switch, which is connected to the plurality of nodes to load the operating system onto the plurality of nodes.

5. The server according to claim 2, wherein, The third link includes complex programmable logic devices. The main processor is further configured to be connected to the complex programmable logic device, which is connected to the plurality of nodes to control the power supply and state switching of the plurality of nodes.

6. The server according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The main processor is connected to the plurality of nodes via a network link, the network link including a first switch, a plurality of second switches, and a plurality of first physical layer chips; The main processor is configured to connect to the plurality of second switches via the first switch; The plurality of second switches are connected to the plurality of nodes through the plurality of first physical layer chips.

7. The server according to claim 6, wherein, The first switch is also connected to the third switch via a second physical layer chip.

8. The server according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The main processor is connected to the plurality of nodes via a network link, the network link including a plurality of second switches and a plurality of first physical layer chips; The main processor is connected to the multiple nodes through the multiple second switches and the multiple first physical layer chips.

9. The server according to any one of claims 1-5, further comprising: A main processor carrier board module is configured to carry the main processor, a baseboard management controller, and at least a portion of the network links, wherein the main processor is configured to support hot-swapping; The node carrier board module is configured to carry at least one node and supports hot-swapping. A bridge board module is configured to connect the main processor carrier board module and the node carrier board module. The bridge board module is configured to support hot-swapping.

10. The server according to any one of claims 1-5, further comprising: The heat dissipation module is configured to be controlled by the baseboard management controller and supports hot-swapping. The power supply module is configured to supply power to the various modules in the server and supports hot-swapping.

11. The server according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The server is housed in a single chassis.

12. A server management method, comprising: The main processor connected to the baseboard management controller is monitored and managed by the baseboard management controller. The main processor monitors and manages multiple nodes indirectly connected to it, enabling these nodes to perform computational tasks under its management.

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