Node configuration backup and recovery using network switches

Abstract

An information handling system can include a host system including a host system processor and a management controller including a management controller processor and a management controller storage resource. The information handling system can be configured to store critical data in the management controller storage resource and to transmit the critical data to a network switch communicatively coupled to the information handling system, wherein the network switch is configured to store a backup copy of the critical data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to information processing systems, and more specifically to techniques for backing up and restoring configuration information. Background Technology

[0002] As the value and use of information continue to grow, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is an information processing system. Information processing systems typically process, compile, store, and / or communicate information or data for business, personal, or other purposes, allowing users to leverage the value of information. Because technologies and information processing needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information processing systems may also vary regarding: what information is processed, how it is processed, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently it can be processed, stored, or communicated. Variations in information processing systems allow them to be general-purpose or configured for specific users or purposes (such as financial transaction processing, airline ticketing, enterprise data storage, or global communications). Furthermore, information processing systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that can be configured to process, store, and communicate information, and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.

[0003] Hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) is an IT framework that combines storage, compute, and networking into a single system in an attempt to reduce data center complexity and improve scalability. A hyperconverged platform may include hypervisors for virtualized compute, software-defined storage, and virtualized networking, and these typically run on standard off-the-shelf servers. One type of HCI solution is Dell EMC VxRail. TM Systems. Some examples of HCI systems can operate in a variety of environments (e.g., HCI management systems, such as...). ESXi TM (Environment or any other HCI management system). Some examples of HCI systems can be used as software-defined storage (SDS) cluster systems (e.g., SDS cluster systems, such as...). vSAN TM (System or any other SDS cluster system).

[0004] In the HCI context (and other contexts), information processing systems can execute virtual machines (VMs) or containerized workloads for various purposes. VMs or containers typically include any executable instruction set or aggregate of executable instructions configured to execute a guest operating system on a hypervisor or host operating system to function, through or in conjunction with the hypervisor / host operating system, to manage and / or control the allocation and use of hardware resources (such as memory, CPU time, disk space, and input / output devices), and to provide an interface between such hardware resources and applications hosted by the guest operating system.

[0005] In both HCI and non-HCI contexts, critical system configuration data is often stored in a designated area of ​​the system's management controller's non-transitory storage. For example, the management controller may have a small storage area (e.g., less than 1 megabyte in some implementations) for read and write access via the management controller's API. For instance, critical data can be stored by writing it to the management controller's attributes, and then the data can be stored in storage resources (such as flash memory chips). The term "critical data" in this context can include any significant system parameters such as service tags, IP addresses, network gateways, VLAN information, software license keys, and / or other information.

[0006] To ensure reliability, in existing implementations, critical data stored in the system's management controller can be manually backed up to one or more other locations. For example, critical data can be manually copied to a remote network location. Then, in the event of data loss (e.g., if the system fails and is replaced, or if the management controller fails, or if the management controller undergoes an update, etc.), the data can be manually recovered from the remote location. This manual process is time-consuming and error-prone.

[0007] Therefore, the embodiments of this disclosure provide automatic backup and recovery of critical system data via storage resources connected to network switches coupled to the system. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "switch" should be understood to also include managed switches, unmanaged switches, routers, firewalls, etc.

[0008] It should be noted that the discussion of the technology in the background section of this disclosure does not constitute an admission of the state of the prior art. No such admission is made herein unless it is clearly and explicitly stated as such. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to the teachings of this disclosure, the disadvantages and problems associated with the backup and recovery of configuration information can be reduced or eliminated.

[0010] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an information processing system may include: a host system including a host system processor; and a management controller including a management controller processor and management controller storage resources. The information processing system may be configured to: store critical data in the management controller storage resources; and transmit the critical data to a network switch communicatively coupled to the information processing system, wherein the network switch is configured to store backup copies of the critical data.

[0011] According to these and other embodiments of this disclosure, a method may include: an information processing system storing critical data in a management controller storage resource of a management controller of the information processing system, the management controller being configured to provide out-of-band management of the information processing system; and the information processing system transmitting the critical data to a network switch communicatively coupled to the information processing system, wherein the network switch is configured to store a backup copy of the critical data.

[0012] According to these and other embodiments of this disclosure, an article of manufacture may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions thereon, the computer-executable instructions being executable by a processor of an information processing system to: store critical data in a management controller storage resource of a management controller of the information processing system, the management controller being configured to provide out-of-band management of the information processing system; and transmit the critical data to a network switch communicatively coupled to the information processing system, wherein the network switch is configured to store a backup copy of the critical data.

[0013] The technical advantages of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based on the accompanying drawings, description, and claims included herein. The objectives and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and achieved, at least by means of the elements, features, and combinations specifically pointed out in the claims.

[0014] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the subsequent detailed description are both illustrative and explanatory, and not limiting of the claims set forth in this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0015] A more complete understanding of this embodiment and its advantages can be obtained by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals indicate the same features, and in the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 A block diagram of an example information processing system according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 Another example information processing system according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 3A This invention illustrates an information processing system that backs up data to a network switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 3B An information processing system for recovering data from a network switch according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] By reference Figures 1 to 3B This allows for a better understanding of the preferred implementation scheme and its advantages, where similar numbering is used to indicate similar and corresponding parts.

[0021] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "information processing system" can include any tool or set of tools operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, create, switch, store, display, indicate, detect, record, reproduce, dispose of, or utilize information, intelligence, or data of any form for commercial, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an information processing system can be a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a consumer electronics device, a network storage device, or any other suitable device, and can vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. An information processing system can include memory, one or more processing resources, such as a central processing unit ("CPU") or hardware or software control logic. Additional components of an information processing system can include one or more storage devices, one or more communication ports for communicating with external devices, and various input / output ("I / O") devices (such as a keyboard, mouse, and video display). An information processing system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communication between various hardware components.

[0022] For the purposes of this disclosure, when two or more elements are referred to as being “coupled” to each other, such a term indicates that the two or more elements are communicating electronically or mechanically, as applicable, regardless of whether they are directly or indirectly connected, with or without intervening elements.

[0023] When two or more elements are referred to as “coupleable” to each other, such a term indicates that they are able to couple together.

[0024] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "computer-readable medium" (e.g., temporary or non-temporary computer-readable medium) may include any tool or set of tools that can retain data and / or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to: storage media such as direct access storage devices (e.g., hard disk drives or floppy disks), sequential access storage devices (e.g., magnetic tape drives), optical discs, CD-ROMs, DVDs, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and / or flash memory; communication media such as wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic and / or optical carrier waves; and / or any combination of the foregoing.

[0025] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "information processing resource" may be used broadly to refer to any component system, apparatus or device of an information processing system, including but not limited to processors, service processors, basic input / output systems, buses, memory, I / O devices and / or interfaces, storage resources, network interfaces, motherboards and / or any other components and / or elements of the information processing system.

[0026] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "management controller" may be used broadly to refer to an information processing system that provides management functionality (typically out-of-band management functionality) to one or more other information processing systems. In some embodiments, the management controller may be a service processor, a baseboard management controller (BMC), a chassis management controller (CMC), or a remote access controller (e.g., a Dell Remote Access Controller (DRAC) or an integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC)) (or may be an integral part thereof).

[0027] Figure 1 A block diagram of an example information processing system 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, the information processing system 102 may include a server chassis configured to house multiple servers or "blades". In other embodiments, the information processing system 102 may include a personal computer (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop computer, mobile computer, and / or notebook computer). In other embodiments, the information processing system 102 may include a storage enclosure configured to house multiple physical disk drives and / or other computer-readable media (generally referred to as "physical storage resources") for storing data. Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 102 may include a processor 103, a memory 104 communicatively coupled to the processor 103, a BIOS 105 (e.g., UEFI BIOS) communicatively coupled to the processor 103, a network interface 108 communicatively coupled to the processor 103, and a management controller 112 communicatively coupled to the processor 103.

[0028] In operation, processor 103, memory 104, BIOS 105, and network interface 108 may constitute at least a part of the host system 98 of information processing system 102. In addition to the elements explicitly shown and described, information processing system 102 may also include one or more other information processing resources.

[0029] Processor 103 may include any system, apparatus, or device configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data, and may include, but is not limited to, microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other digital or analog circuit system configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data. In some embodiments, processor 103 may interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data stored in memory 104 and / or another component of information processing system 102.

[0030] Memory 104 may be communicatively coupled to processor 103 and may include any system, apparatus, or device (e.g., computer-readable medium) configured to retain program instructions and / or data for a period of time. Memory 104 may include RAM, EEPROM, PCMCIA card, flash memory, magnetic storage device, opto-magnetic storage device, or any suitable choice and / or array of volatile or non-volatile memory that retains data after power to information processing system 102 is cut off.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, an operating system 106 may be stored on memory 104. Operating system 106 may include any program (or a collection of programs with executable instructions) configured to manage and / or control the allocation and use of hardware resources (such as memory, processor time, disk space, and input / output devices) and provide an interface between such hardware resources and applications hosted by operating system 106. Additionally, operating system 106 may include all or part of a network stack for network communication via a network interface (e.g., network interface 108 for communication over a data network). Although operating system 106 in Figure 1 The operating system 106 is shown as being stored in memory 104, but in some embodiments, the operating system 106 may be stored in a storage medium accessible to the processor 103, and active portions of the operating system 106 may be transferred from such storage medium to memory 104 for execution by the processor 103.

[0032] Network interface 108 may include one or more suitable systems, devices, or apparatuses capable of operating as an interface between information processing system 102 and one or more other information processing systems via an in-band network. Network interface 108 enables information processing system 102 to communicate using any suitable transport protocol and / or standard. In these and other embodiments, network interface 108 may include a network interface card or “NIC”. In these and other embodiments, network interface 108 may be enabled as a motherboard local area network (LAN) (LOM) card.

[0033] Management controller 112 can be configured to provide management functions for managing information processing system 102. This management can be performed by management controller 112 even when information processing system 102 and / or host system 98 are powered off or powered to standby. Management controller 112 may include processor 113, memory, and a network interface 118 that is separate from and physically isolated from network interface 108.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the processor 113 of the management controller 112 is communicatively coupled to the processor 103. This coupling can be made via a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a System Management Bus (SMBus), and / or one or more other communication channels.

[0035] Network interface 118 may be coupled to a management network, which may be separate from and physically isolated from the data network, as shown. Network interface 118 of management controller 112 may include any suitable system, device, or apparatus capable of operating via an out-of-band management network as an interface between management controller 112 and one or more other information processing systems. Network interface 118 enables management controller 112 to communicate using any suitable transport protocol and / or standard. In these and other embodiments, network interface 118 may include a network interface card or “NIC”. Network interface 118 may be a device of the same type as network interface 108, or in other embodiments, the network interface may be a different type of device.

[0036] Figure 2 Another example information processing system 202, including a management controller 212, is shown. As discussed above, the information processing system 202 can store various critical data items in the storage resources of the management controller 212 (e.g., solid-state storage resources, such as flash memory chips).

[0037] Information processing system 202 may include one or more in-band data network ports that can be coupled to data network switch 222. Management controller 212 may also include its own out-of-band network ports that can be coupled to management network switch 220.

[0038] When the information processing system 202 is coupled to such a network switch, the internal storage on these switches can be used to store backup copies of critical data. This process can be initiated automatically by the information processing system 202 or by the switch (e.g., based on a handshake that may occur upon its initial connection), or it can be initiated manually by an operator. For example, in the case of a management network switch, the system's management controller can transmit data to the switch via an out-of-band management network. In the case of a data network switch, the system's host system can transmit data to the switch via an in-band data network.

[0039] As shown in the figure, each switch includes its own flash memory device, which is typically large enough to hold critical data from several information processing systems. For example, the critical data may be small enough that all information processing systems coupled to a given network switch can store their critical data on the network switch.

[0040] Figure 3A An example network switch 350 is shown, coupled to several information processing systems 302 via n network ports. In this example, an operator can manually trigger the backup of critical data from an information processing system coupled to a specific port (e.g., information processing system 302-1 coupled to port 1).

[0041] Next, network switch 350 can communicate with information processing system 302-1 to determine its service tag and all critical data stored in a designated storage area of ​​its management controller. This data can then be retrieved to network switch and stored in its local non-transitory storage device.

[0042] Table 1 below provides an example of data that can be stored in the non-transitory storage device of the network switch 350 once all connected nodes have been polled and have provided their data.

[0043] port Service Tags Key data 1 AAAAA WWWWW 2 BBBBB XXXXX 3 CCCCC YYYYY … … … n DDDDD ZZZZZ

[0044] Table 1.

[0045] Suppose that after some time, information processing system 302-1 fails and is replaced by a new information processing system 302-1*. Information processing system 302-1* may be similar to or the same as the system it replaces, but typically the service labels will be different, and it may lack critical data previously stored on the management controller of information processing system 302-1.

[0046] Figure 3BThe process of restoring the critical data from the network switch to the management controller of the information processing system 302-1* is illustrated. Once the new system has been installed, cabled, and powered on, the operator can initiate the restoration from the network switch 350 to the new management controller of the new system now coupled to port 1.

[0047] Specifically, network switch 350 can detect that a new system has been attached to port 1. Then, the network switch can request the service tag of the new system, thereby updating its stored backup data to reflect that the previous information processing system 302-1 is now information processing system 302-1*. Table 2 below shows the data stored on the non-transitory storage device of network switch 350 after this update, highlighting the changed elements.

[0048] port Service Tags Key data 1 <![CDATA[ AAAAB ]]> WWWWW 2 BBBBB XXXXX 3 CCCCC YYYYY … … … n DDDDD ZZZZZ

[0049] Table 2.

[0050] Next, the network switch 350 can push the critical data to the information processing system 302-1*, which can store the critical data in a designated area of ​​the storage resources of its management controller.

[0051] Once the critical data from Information Processing System 302-1 has been written into Information Processing System 302-1*, normal operations can continue.

[0052] This disclosure covers all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the exemplary embodiments herein that will be understood by those skilled in the art. Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims cover all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the exemplary embodiments herein that will be understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, references in the appended claims to a device, system, or component adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, or operable to perform a particular function cover said device, system, or component, whether or not it or said particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, provided that said device, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable of, configured, enabled, operable, or operable.

[0053] All examples and conditional language used herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to advance the art, and are to be construed as not being limited to the examples and conditions specifically stated herein. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An information processing system, comprising: A host system, the host system including a host system processor; as well as A management controller, comprising a management controller processor and management controller storage resources, configured to provide out-of-band management of the information processing system; The information processing system is configured as follows: The critical data is stored in the management controller's storage resources; as well as The critical data is transmitted to a network switch communicatively coupled to the information processing system, wherein the network switch is configured to store a backup copy of the critical data.

2. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a node of a hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) system.

3. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein the network switch is an out-of-band management network switch communicatively coupled to the management controller.

4. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein the network switch is an in-band data network switch communicatively coupled to the host system.

5. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein the network switch is a router.

6. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein the key data includes the service tag of the information processing system, the network address of the information processing system, the network gateway address, and at least one software license key.

7. A method comprising: The information processing system stores critical data in the management controller storage resources of the management controller of the information processing system, and the management controller is configured to provide out-of-band management of the information processing system. as well as The information processing system transmits the critical data to a network switch communicatively coupled to the information processing system, wherein the network switch is configured to store a backup copy of the critical data.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the information processing system is a node of a hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) system.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the network switch is an out-of-band managed network switch communicatively coupled to the management controller.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the network switch is an in-band data network switch communicatively coupled to a host system of the information processing system.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the network switch is a router.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the key data includes the service tag of the information processing system, the network address of the information processing system, the network gateway address, and at least one software license key.

13. An article of manufacture comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions thereon, the computer-executable instructions being executable by a processor of an information processing system to: The critical data is stored in the management controller storage resources of the management controller of the information processing system, the management controller being configured to provide out-of-band management of the information processing system; and The critical data is transmitted to a network switch communicatively coupled to the information processing system, wherein the network switch is configured to store a backup copy of the critical data.

14. The article of manufacture as claimed in claim 13, wherein the information processing system is a node of a hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) system.

15. The article of manufacture of claim 13, wherein the network switch is an out-of-band managed network switch communicatively coupled to the management controller.

16. The article of manufacture as claimed in claim 13, wherein the network switch is an in-band data network switch communicatively coupled to a host system of the information processing system.

17. The article of manufacture as claimed in claim 13, wherein the network switch is a router.

18. The article of manufacture as claimed in claim 13, wherein the key data includes the service tag of the information processing system, the network address of the information processing system, the network gateway address, and at least one software license key.

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