Installation server, installation control method, installation system, and installation control program

Abstract

To provide a server, control method, system, and control program that automatically and simultaneously install arbitrary software on hosts scattered over a wide area.SOLUTION: In an installation system, a control system includes a host management data storage section, an IDHCP server management data storage section, MAC address acquisition means that acquires a MAC address value of a main function section from an auxiliary function section of a target computer, installation IP address registration means that associates and registers the MAC address value of the main function section of the target computer with an installation IP address value, start-up instruction means that instructs the auxiliary function section of the target computer to start up the main function section, and software transmission means that assigns the installation IP address to the main function section that has been started up of the target computer using IP address assignment means and transmits software to the main function section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an installation server, an installation control method, an installation system, and an installation control program, and can be applied, for example, to a system that automatically and simultaneously installs any OS (Operating System) on each of multiple hosts scattered over a wide area. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a method for automatically and simultaneously installing an OS on each of a plurality of hosts is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 shows a method for automatically installing different types of OS on a plurality of hosts by remote control and a method for individually configuring the hosts according to instructions from an installation server by using individual modules that monitor and control the devices in addition to functions corresponding to a general-purpose computer as a computer system device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-012407 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional method described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 and the like is limited to hosts that can be applied to a range to which one Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server can assign an IP (Internet Protocol) address. The range to which a DHCP server can assign an IP address is generally limited to the sub-network to which the DHCP server is connected.

[0005] It is possible for a DHCP server to assign addresses via multiple subnetworks by having the network device forward traffic sent and received by the DHCP server to other subnetworks, but the use of this method is currently generally limited to use within a branch office.

[0006] Therefore, even with the technique described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it cannot be applied when multiple hosts to be installed are located at different bases or are scattered over a wide area.

[0007] Therefore, there is a demand for an installation server, an installation control method, an installation system, and an installation control program that can automatically and simultaneously install any software (for example, an OS) onto each of a plurality of hosts scattered over a wide area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve such problems, the installation server of the first invention has a plurality of computers, each having a main function unit and an auxiliary function unit, arranged at each of a plurality of bases, and installs software on each of the computers at each of the bases. The installation server includes a computer management information storage means for storing computer management information that associates the IP address value of the auxiliary function unit of each computer with an installation IP address value to be assigned to the main function unit of each computer, an IP address assignment information storage means for storing information related to an IP address assignment means for assigning the installation IP address value to the main function unit of each computer, and a target computer, which is a target for installing the software, among the plurality of computers at the plurality of bases. the target computer includes a MAC address acquisition means for acquiring a MAC address value of the main functional unit via an auxiliary functional unit of the target computer; a registration means for referring to an IP address assignment information storage means to search for an IP address assignment means for assigning an IP address value for installation to the target computer, and for registering the MAC address value of the main functional unit of the target computer and the IP address value for installation in the searched IP address assignment means in association with each other; a start-up instruction means for instructing the auxiliary functional unit of the target computer to start up the main functional unit; and a software transmission means for assigning an IP address for installation to the main functional unit of the started target computer using the IP address assignment means, and transmitting software corresponding to the target computer to the main functional unit.

[0009] A second installation control method of the present invention is an installation control method in which a plurality of computers having a main function unit and an auxiliary function unit are arranged at each of a plurality of bases, and software is installed on each of the computers at each of the bases, the method comprising: a computer management information storage means stores computer management information that associates an IP address value of the auxiliary function unit of each computer with an installation IP address value to be assigned to the main function unit of each computer; an IP address assignment information storage means stores information relating to an IP address assignment means that assigns the installation IP address value to the main function unit of each computer; a MAC address acquisition means acquires a MAC address of a target computer among the plurality of computers at the plurality of bases, the target computer management information storing means stores information relating to an IP address assignment means that assigns the installation IP address value to the main function unit of each computer; the registration means refers to the IP address assignment information storage means to search for an IP address assignment means which assigns an IP address value for installation to the target computer, and registers the MAC address value of the main function unit of the target computer and the IP address value for installation in the searched IP address assignment means in association with each other; the start-up instruction means instructs the auxiliary function unit of the target computer to start up the main function unit; and the software transmission means uses the IP address assignment means to assign an IP address for installation to the main function unit of the started target computer, and transmits the software corresponding to the target computer to the main function unit.

[0010] The third installation system of the present invention is an installation system in which a plurality of computers having a main function unit and an auxiliary function unit are arranged at each of a plurality of bases, and software is installed on each of the computers at each of the bases, the installation system comprising: a computer management information storage means for storing computer management information that associates the IP address value of the auxiliary function unit of each computer with an installation IP address value to be assigned to the main function unit of each computer; an IP address assignment information storage means for storing information relating to an IP address assignment means for assigning the installation IP address value to the main function unit of each computer; The system is characterized by comprising a MAC address acquisition means for acquiring a MAC address value of the main functional unit via the functional unit, a registration means for referring to an IP address assignment information storage means to search for an IP address assignment means for assigning an installation IP address value to the target computer, and for registering in the searched IP address assignment means the MAC address value of the main functional unit of the target computer and the installation IP address value in correspondence with each other, a startup instruction means for instructing an auxiliary functional unit of the target computer to start up the main functional unit, and a software transmission means for assigning an installation IP address to the main functional unit of the started target computer using the IP address assignment means, and transmitting software corresponding to the target computer to the main functional unit.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an installation control program for arranging a plurality of computers having a main function unit and an auxiliary function unit at each of a plurality of bases, and installing software on each of the computers at each of the bases, the installation control program comprising: a computer management information storage means for storing computer management information that associates the IP address value of the auxiliary function unit of each computer with an installation IP address value to be assigned to the main function unit of each computer; an IP address assignment information storage means for storing information relating to an IP address assignment means for assigning the installation IP address value to the main function unit of each computer; and a target computer on which the software is to be installed among the plurality of computers at the plurality of bases. the MAC address acquisition means for acquiring a MAC address value of the main functional unit via the auxiliary functional unit of the target computer; a registration means for searching for an IP address allocation means for assigning an IP address value for installation to the target computer by referring to an IP address allocation information storage means, and for registering the MAC address value of the main functional unit of the target computer and the IP address value for installation in the searched IP address allocation means in association with each other; a start-up instruction means for instructing the auxiliary functional unit of the target computer to start up the main functional unit; and a software transmission means for assigning an IP address for installation to the main functional unit of the started target computer using the IP address assignment means, and transmitting software corresponding to the target computer to the main functional unit. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, any software can be automatically installed simultaneously and in parallel on each of a plurality of hosts scattered over a wide area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of an installation system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a host according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram showing the internal configuration of a control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of host management data according to the embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of DHCP server management data according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of an installation process in the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of an installation process according to an embodiment (part 1). [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the installation process according to the embodiment (part 2). [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the installation process according to the embodiment (part 3). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] (A) Main embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An installation server, an installation control method, an installation system, and an installation control program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (A-1) Configuration of the embodiment (A-1-1) Overall configuration of the installation system FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an installation system according to an embodiment.

[0016] In FIG. 1, the installation system 10 includes a control system 1, a TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) / HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) server 4, multiple intra-site IP networks (#A to #M) NA to NM, and a wide area IP network NW connecting the multiple intra-site IP networks (#A to #M) NA to NM.

[0017] In addition, a unit having the functions of the control system 1 and the TFTP / HTTP server 4 that stores the software to be installed in advance and transfers the software to be installed on the host 2 functions as an "installation server."

[0018] Each of the intra-site IP networks (#A to #M) NA to NM includes a plurality of hosts 2 (2-A1 to 1-An, 2-B1 to 2-Bn, . . . , 2-M1 to 2-Mn) and a DHCP server 3 (3-A, 3-B, . . . , 3-M).

[0019] Each of the intra-site IP networks (#A to #M) NA to NM is a network conforming to the Internet Protocol and includes a LAN (Local Area Network: registered trademark) etc. In this embodiment, each of the intra-site IP networks (#A to #M) NA to NM is assumed to be, for example, an in-house network (a network within the same segment).

[0020] The control system 1 is connected to multiple hosts 2 via a wide area IP network NW and local IP networks (#A to #M) NA to NM, and installs specific programs, including an OS as software, on each host 2 and performs unique setting processing for each host 2.

[0021] The control system 1 communicates with and controls other devices using IP. The control system 1 has a function for obtaining from the control module 22 of each host 2 the MAC address value used during OS installation from the host 2, and a function for instructing the host 2 to perform a network boot called a PXE boot.

[0022] Furthermore, the control system 1 has a function of establishing an SSH connection with the main system 21 of the host 2, a function of transferring individual setting data of the OS, and a function of rebooting the host 2.

[0023] Furthermore, the control system 1 has a function of notifying the DHCP server 3 of the MAC address acquired from the host 2 as information related to the address allocation process to the host 2.

[0024] The hosts 2 (2-A1 to 1-An, 2-B1 to 2-Bn, 2-M1 to 2-Mn) are equipped with functions corresponding to conventional general-purpose computers (main system 21, described below) as well as an individual module (control module 22) used when installing an OS. The main system (hereinafter also referred to as the "major function unit") 21 is also equipped with a function compatible with PXE, which is a network boot standard, and by cooperating with the control module 22, which can operate independently of the main system 21, it is possible to automatically install software such as an OS and applications into the main system 21.

[0025] The DHCP server 3 exists at each base and assigns IP addresses to the hosts 2 at the same base. Note that, although this embodiment illustrates an example in which a DHCP server 3 is provided at each base, if the control system 1 can install corresponding OSs in parallel on each of the multiple hosts 2 at each of the multiple bases, a DHCP server 3 may be provided at each of the multiple bases.

[0026] When the DHCP server 3 receives an address allocation request from the host 2, if the MAC address value of the host 2 is a registered MAC address value, it responds with an IP address value corresponding to the MAC address and an address value of a gateway to be allocated. The DHCP server 3 also notifies the main system 21 of the IP address value of the TFTP / HTTP server 4, which is the destination of a request for a startup program from the main system 21.

[0027] When the TFTP / HTTP server 4 receives a request from the host 2 via TFTP for a startup program for the main system 21, it transfers the startup program. The TFTP / HTTP server 4 also transfers an installation program for a target OS via TFTP in accordance with an installed OS identification number designated by the host 2. Furthermore, when the TFTP / HTTP server 4 receives a request to download OS installation data via HTTP, it responds with the OS installation data corresponding to the request via HTTP.

[0028] (A-1-2) Internal configuration of the host FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the host according to the embodiment.

[0029] In FIG. 2, the host 2 has a main system 21 as a main functional unit, a control module 22 as an auxiliary functional unit, one or more transmission lines 23 (23-1 to 23-n) for connecting the main system 21 to other devices, a transmission line 24 for connecting the control module 22 to other devices, a console input / output port 25 of the main system 21, a console input / output port 26 of the control module 22, a transmission line 27 connecting the control module 22 and the main system 21, and a transmission line 28 connecting the console input / output ports 25 and 26 of both the main system 21 and the control module 22.

[0030] The main system 21 includes a motherboard, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, a disk drive, a network card, etc., and has functions equivalent to those of a general-purpose computer. The main system 21 runs an OS by installing the OS in the disk drive.

[0031] The main system 21 also has a MAC address value for each interface connected to a transmission line. The main system 21 also uses transmission lines 23-1 to 23-n for connecting to external devices as a network boot function called PXE (Preboot eXecution Environment), and acquires an IP address value, a gateway address value, and an IP address value of the TFTP / HTTP server 4 that is the request destination for the startup program using DHCP. The main system 21 then requests the startup program from the acquired IP address of the TFTP / HTTP server 4, and then starts up the device using the acquired startup program.

[0032] The control module 22 is a module that can operate independently of the main system 21. For example, the control module 22 has hardware such as a CPU, a network card, and the like, separate from the main system 21.

[0033] The control module 22 is assigned a fixed IP address value, and has a function of linking with other devices via a transmission line 24 connected to the other devices. The control module 22 receives a request for a MAC address value inquiry from another device, and responds with the MAC address value of the main system 21. Furthermore, upon receiving an instruction to execute a PXE boot from another device, the control module 22 instructs the main system 21 to boot up using PXE via a transmission line 27 connected to the main system 21. Furthermore, the control module 22 performs console input / output with the main system 21 via a console input / output port 26.

[0034] (A-1-3) Internal configuration of the control system 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a control system 1 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 3, the control system 1 has a transmission line 11 for connecting to other devices, a host management data storage unit 12, and a DHCP server management data storage unit 13.

[0035] Moreover, the control system 1 functionally comprises a MAC address acquisition means 14 , an installation IP address registration means 15 , and a start instruction means 16 .

[0036] The control system 1 may be configured entirely in hardware, or may be configured entirely in software except for a communication interface such as the transmission line 11. For example, in FIG. 3, each component other than the transmission line 11 may be constructed by installing a program (an installation control program according to the embodiment) in a computer.

[0037] The control system 1 holds host management data and DHCP server management data as computer management information, and has the function of comprehensively controlling the installation and configuration of the OS of the host 2 connected via the wide area IP network NW and the branch IP networks NA to NM.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of host management data according to the embodiment.

[0039] In Figure 4, the host management data D1 includes a "host name", which is information for identifying (specifying) each host 2, a "control module IP address" indicating the value of the IP address of the control module 22 of each host 2, an "IP address for OS installation" indicating the value of the IP address used when installing each host 2 main body (main system 21) described below, an "installed OS identification number", which is identification information for identifying the OS to be installed on the corresponding host 2, and "individual setting data" indicating information to be individually set for each host 2.

[0040] 4, the "control module IP address" is set to, for example, a unique IP address assigned to each host 2 at the time of shipment from the factory. On the other hand, the "OS installation IP address" is set to, for example, an arbitrary IP address individually set by the system administrator.

[0041] Furthermore, a wide variety of setting values ​​can be applied to the "individual setting data", and values ​​are set individually depending on the purpose of each host 2, such as system settings, firmware settings, application settings, and the like, for example.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of DHCP server management data according to the embodiment.

[0043] In Figure 5, the DHCP server management data D2 includes a "host name", which is information for identifying each DHCP server 3, an "IP address" indicating the value of the IP address of each DHCP server 3, a "gateway IP address" indicating the value of the IP address of the gateway present at each site when connecting to each DHCP server 3, an "IP address allocation range" indicating the range of IP addresses that the DHCP server 3 assigns to each host 2, an "allocation gateway IP address", and a "TFTP / HTTP server address" indicating the value of the IP address of the TFTP / HTTP server 4.

[0044] (A-2) Operation of the embodiment Next, the operation of the installation process of the OS on the host 2 at each base in the installation system 10 according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0045] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the installation process in the control system according to the embodiment. Figs. 7 to 9 are sequence diagrams showing the operation of the installation process according to the embodiment. The process numbers in Fig. 6 correspond to the process numbers in Figs. 7 to 9.

[0046] (A-2-1) Registration process of MAC address and IP address for OS installation of each host 2 to DHCP server 3 The operation of the control system 1 to simultaneously install different OSs in parallel on a plurality of hosts 2 located at different bases and to configure the OSs will be described.

[0047] First, in the initial state, the control system 1 is capable of communicating with the control module 22 of each host 2, the DHCP server 3 in which the target host 2 exists, and the TFTP / HTTP server 4 via the wide area IP network NW and the intra-site IP networks (#A to #M) NA to NM. Also, the main system 21 of each host 2 is capable of communicating with the control system 1 via the transmission line 23, but nothing is installed and it is in a state in which it cannot operate autonomously. Operation begins in this initial state.

[0048] The control system 1 transmits a MAC address value inquiry signal to the control module 22 of the host (hereinafter also referred to as the "target host") 2 on which the OS is to be installed (S101). The control module 22 of each target host 2 responds to the control system 1 with a response signal including the MAC address value of the main system 21 (S102).

[0049] In order to assign an IP address to each target host 2, the control system 1 searches for a DHCP server 3 that can assign an IP address to each target host 2 from among the DHCP servers 3 registered in the DHCP server management data D2 (S103).

[0050] Then, the control system 1 instructs the searched DHCP server 3 to register the MAC address of the target host 2 and the IP address for OS installation registered in the host management data D1 (S104). In response to this, the DHCP server 3 at each base registers the IP address value for OS installation in association with the specified MAC address value (S105).

[0051] Through such processing, the control system 1 can register the MAC address value of each target host 2 in association with the IP address value for OS installation in the DHCP server 3 capable of allocating an IP address to each target host 2. As a result, the DHCP server 3 becomes capable of granting an IP address to each host 2 when an IP address allocation request is received from each host 2.

[0052] (A-2-2) Boot process on host 2 Next, the control system 1 instructs the control module 22 of the target host 2 to perform PXE boot startup (S106). Note that, although a case where PXE boot is used is illustrated here, other network boot functions may be used as long as the device to be started can be started via a network.

[0053] The control module 22 of the target host 2 instructs the main system 21 to execute startup by PXE boot via the transmission line 27 (S107).

[0054] In the target host 2, the console input / output port 26 of the control module 22 is connected to the console input / output port 25 of the main system 21, enabling communication between the control module 22 and the main system 21 (S108).

[0055] On the other hand, after issuing an instruction to execute the PXE boot function, the control system 1 connects to the console input / output port 26 of the control module 22 of the target host 2. The control system 1 becomes capable of monitoring the input / output status of the main system 21 of the target host 2 via the control module 22, and the control system 1 becomes in a state of waiting for an OS identification number input screen to be output to the console input / output ports 25 and 26 (S1085).

[0056] When an instruction to start and execute a PXE boot is given in S107, the main system 21 of the target host 2 performs processing to execute the PXE boot (S109).

[0057] In the case of a plurality of target hosts 2, the start-up process is performed in parallel for each of the target hosts 2. Also, when the target hosts 2 are located in different bases, the start-up process is performed in parallel for each of the target hosts 2.

[0058] First, in order for the target host 2 to acquire an IP address from the DHCP server 3, the main system 21 transmits an IP address allocation request signal including the MAC address of the target host 2 to the DHCP server 3 (S110). The DHCP server 3 that receives the request responds to the target host 2 with an IP address value for OS installation that corresponds to the MAC address of the sender (S111). As a result, the IP address for OS installation is assigned to the main system 21.

[0059] Here, when the DHCP server 3 assigns an IP address to the target host 2, in addition to the IP address for OS installation, the main system 21 of the target host 2 is notified of the assignment gateway IP address value and the IP address value (TFTP / HTTP server address value) of the TFTP / HTTP server to which the main system 21's startup program requests are made.

[0060] In this way, the allocation gateway IP address value is provided to the main system 21, thereby enabling communication with the gateway of the base. Also, the TFTP / HTTP server address value is provided to the main system 21, thereby enabling communication with the TFTP / HTTP server that is the destination of a startup program request.

[0061] Next, the main system 21 requests a startup program for the main system 21 from the IP address of the TFTP / HTTP server 4 notified by the DHCP server 3 (S112). The TFTP / HTTP server 4 transfers the startup program to the main system 21 of the host 2 (S113).

[0062] The main system 21 of the host 2 executes the startup program acquired from the TFTP / HTTP server 4 (S114). The processing contents of the startup program include a process for displaying an OS identification number input screen, and the main system 21 performs a process for displaying the OS identification number input screen (S115).

[0063] When the OS identification number input screen is displayed in the main system 21 of the target host 2, the control system 1 inputs the OS identification number on the OS identification number input screen (S116 and S1165).

[0064] For example, the control system 1 can monitor the status of input / output to / from the console input / output ports 25 and 26 of the main system 21 and the control module 22 of the target host 2. Therefore, when an OS identification number input screen included in the startup program is displayed on the main system 21, the control system 1 refers to the host management data D1 and inputs the installed OS identification number of the target host 2 using the console input / output port 26 of the control module 22. In other words, since the control system 1 has the host management data D1 set in advance, it recognizes the identification number of the OS to be installed for each host (installed OS identification number). Therefore, the control system 1 can automatically input the identification number of the corresponding OS to each host 2.

[0065] Thereafter, the control system 1 waits until an SSH (Secure Shell) connection is established with the main system 21 of the target host 2 (S117).

[0066] Meanwhile, the main system 21 of the target host 2 uses the TFTP protocol to request the TFTP / HTTP server 4 for an installation program for the OS corresponding to the input installed OS identification number (S118). In response, the TFTP / HTTP server transfers the requested installation program for the OS to the requesting host 2 (S119), and the main system 21 obtains the installation program for the OS (S118).

[0067] Thereafter, the main system 21 of the target host 2 executes the acquired OS installation program and starts OS installation. The main system 21 uses the HTTP protocol to request installation data related to the OS to be installed from the TFTP / HTTP server 4 (S120).

[0068] In response to this, the TFTP / HTTP server 4 transfers the installation data for the target OS to the main system 21 of the host 2 (S121), and the main system 21 acquires the installation data related to the OS (S120) and executes the installation of the OS.

[0069] (A-2-3) OS startup process on host 2 When the installation of the OS is completed in the main system 21 of each target host 2, the main system 21 starts up the OS (S122).

[0070] During the OS startup process, the main system 21 requests the DHCP server 3 to allocate an IP address (S123). The DHCP server 3, which has received the IP address allocation request, responds to the main system 21 with a registered IP address value and an allocation gateway IP address value corresponding to the received source MAC address (S124), and the main system 21 of each host 2 applies the allocated IP address value and gateway IP address value, thereby enabling communication with other devices (S123).

[0071] Thereafter, the main system 21 of each host 2 starts up the SSH service, and prepares itself to be able to accept SSH connections from other devices (S125).

[0072] The control system 1 establishes an SSH connection with the target host 2 and ends the process of waiting for the connection to be established. Thereafter, the control system 1 refers to the host management data D1 and transfers the individual setting data of the target host to the main system 21 of each host 2 using the established SSH connection (S126). The main system 21 of the target host 2 reflects the individual setting data (S127).

[0073] Thereafter, the control system 1 instructs the main system 21 of the target host 2 to reboot (S128), and the main system 21 of the target host 2 reboots (S129). As a result, the OS reboots with the individual setting data applied, and all OS settings of each host 2 are completed.

[0074] (A-3) Effects of the embodiment As described above, according to this embodiment, the control system 1 uses DHCP server management data to manage the IP address and address allocation range of the DHCP server 3, so that even if there are multiple locations and multiple hosts 2 are each located at a different location, it is possible to automatically install the OS on each host 2 in parallel.

[0075] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control system 1 obtains the MAC address of the host 2 in advance and pre-registers the MAC address of the host 2 and the IP address for OS installation in the DHCP server 3. This makes it possible for the DHCP server 3 corresponding to each base to assign any IP address value to the main system 21 of the host 2 within the base, even if the target hosts 2 are located at different bases.

[0076] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, after an address is assigned to the main system 21, the main system 21 obtains a startup program from the TFTP / HTTP server 4 and starts it up, and the control system 1 sets the OS identification number of the startup program via the console input / output ports 25 and 26, making it possible to simultaneously install any OS in parallel on each of multiple hosts 2 located at different locations.

[0077] (B) Other embodiments Although various modified embodiments have been mentioned in the above-described embodiment, the present invention can also be applied to the following modified embodiments.

[0078] (B-1) In the above-described embodiment, the number of TFTP / HTTP servers that transfer files such as boot programs is one, but multiple TFTP / HTTP servers may be provided. For example, the DHCP server at each base may also be equipped with the function of a TFTP / HTTP server, or a TFTP / HTTP server may be provided at each base. When a TFTP / HTTP server is provided at each base, the effect of suppressing communication traffic generated by the transfer of OS installation data within the base can be obtained. When multiple TFTP / HTTP servers are used, it is possible to specify a different TFTP / HTTP server for each DHCP server by specifying the IP address of a different TFTP / HTTP server for each DHCP server in the DHCP management data of the control system.

[0079] (B-2) In the above-described embodiment, the main system 21 as the main functional part of the host 2 and the control module 22 as an auxiliary function are explained under the assumption that they are independent in terms of hardware, but some of the configuration such as the network card may be common.

[0080] (B-3) In the above-described embodiment, DHCP, HTTP, TFTP, SSH, etc. are given as examples of protocols used by the control system as the installation server and the target host as a computer. However, the protocols used are not limited to these, and a protocol having similar functions to each protocol may be used.

[0081] (B-4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the type of OS to be installed in the host 2 is not specifically mentioned, but the type of OS to be installed is not limited, and for example, OS such as UNIX (registered trademark), Windows (registered trademark), etc. may be applied. Furthermore, the software to be installed is not limited to an OS, and various kinds of software may be applied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1...control system, 2...host, 3...DHCP server, 4...HTTP server, 10...installation system, 11...transmission line, 12...host management data storage unit, 13...DHCP server management data storage unit, 21...main system, 22...control module, 23...transmission line, 24...transmission line, 25...console input / output port, 26...console input / output port, 27...transmission line, 28...transmission line, D1...host management data, D2...DHCP server management data, NA~NM...base IP network, NW...wide area IP network.

Claims

1. An installation server that installs software on each of a plurality of computers, each of which has a main function unit and an auxiliary function unit, at each of a plurality of bases, comprising: a computer management information storage means for storing computer management information in which an IP address value of the auxiliary function unit of each of the computers corresponds to an installation IP address value to be assigned to the main function unit of each of the computers; an IP address assignment information storage means for storing information regarding an IP address assignment means for assigning the installation IP address value to the main functional unit of each of the computers; a MAC address acquisition unit that acquires a MAC address value of the main function unit via the auxiliary function unit of a target computer on which the software is to be installed, among the plurality of computers at the plurality of bases; a registration means for searching for the IP address allocation means that assigns the installation IP address value to the target computer by referring to the IP address allocation information storage means, and for registering, in the searched IP address allocation means, a MAC address value of the main functional unit of the target computer and the installation IP address value in association with each other; a start instruction means for instructing the auxiliary function unit of the target computer to start up the main function unit; a software transmission means for assigning the installation IP address to the main function unit of the booted target computer using the IP address assignment means and transmitting software corresponding to the target computer to the main function unit; An installation server comprising:

2. the computer management information includes a first identifier associated with each type of the software installed in the main functional unit of each of the plurality of computers; The software transmission means transmits the software to be installed in the main function unit based on the first identifier.

2. The installation server according to claim 1 .

3. the main functional unit and the auxiliary functional unit are capable of inputting and outputting the first identifier via a console input / output port; When the main function unit is started, the main function unit obtains the first identifier of the software to be installed in the target computer from the computer management information via the auxiliary function unit, and then requests transmission of a program for installing the software based on the first identifier.

3. The installation server according to claim 2.

4. the information on the IP address allocation means associates at least the IP address allocation means present at each base, address information of a gateway for connecting to the IP address allocation means at each base, IP address information of a gateway for connecting to the software transmission means, and IP address information of the software transmission means; The main function unit of the started target computer requests the software transmission means to transmit the software based on information related to the IP address assignment means.

2. The installation server according to claim 1 .

5. 1. An installation control method for installing software on a plurality of computers each having a main function unit and an auxiliary function unit at a plurality of locations, the method comprising the steps of: a computer management information storage means for storing computer management information in which an IP address value of the auxiliary function unit of each of the computers is associated with an installation IP address value to be assigned to the main function unit of each of the computers; an IP address assignment information storage means for storing information regarding an IP address assignment means for assigning the installation IP address value to the main function unit of each of the computers; a MAC address acquisition means for acquiring a MAC address value of the main function unit via the auxiliary function unit of a target computer on which the software is to be installed, among the plurality of computers at the plurality of bases; a registration means for searching for the IP address allocation means for allocating the IP address value for installation to the target computer by referring to the IP address allocation information storage means, and for causing the searched IP address allocation means to register the MAC address value of the main functional unit of the target computer and the IP address value for installation in association with each other; a start instruction means for instructing the auxiliary function unit of the target computer to start up the main function unit; A software transmission means uses the IP address allocation means to assign the IP address for installation to the main function unit of the started target computer, and transmits the software corresponding to the target computer to the main function unit.

23. An installation control method comprising:

6. An installation system in which a plurality of computers each having a main function unit and an auxiliary function unit are arranged at a plurality of bases, and software is installed on each of the computers at each of the bases, comprising: a computer management information storage means for storing computer management information in which an IP address value of the auxiliary function unit of each of the computers corresponds to an installation IP address value to be assigned to the main function unit of each of the computers; an IP address assignment information storage means for storing information regarding an IP address assignment means for assigning the installation IP address value to the main functional unit of each of the computers; a MAC address acquisition unit that acquires a MAC address value of the main function unit via the auxiliary function unit of a target computer on which the software is to be installed, among the plurality of computers at the plurality of bases; a registration means for searching for the IP address allocation means that assigns the installation IP address value to the target computer by referring to the IP address allocation information storage means, and for registering, in the searched IP address allocation means, a MAC address value of the main functional unit of the target computer and the installation IP address value in association with each other; a start instruction means for instructing the auxiliary function unit of the target computer to start up the main function unit; a software transmission means for assigning the installation IP address to the main function unit of the booted target computer using the IP address assignment means and transmitting software corresponding to the target computer to the main function unit; An installation system comprising:

7. 1. An installation control program for installing software on a plurality of computers each having a main function unit and an auxiliary function unit at a plurality of locations, the installation control program comprising: Computer, a computer management information storage means for storing computer management information in which an IP address value of the auxiliary function unit of each of the computers corresponds to an installation IP address value to be assigned to the main function unit of each of the computers; an IP address assignment information storage means for storing information regarding an IP address assignment means for assigning the installation IP address value to the main functional unit of each of the computers; a MAC address acquisition unit that acquires a MAC address value of the main function unit via the auxiliary function unit of a target computer on which the software is to be installed, among the plurality of computers at the plurality of bases; a registration means for searching for the IP address allocation means that assigns the installation IP address value to the target computer by referring to the IP address allocation information storage means, and for registering, in the searched IP address allocation means, a MAC address value of the main functional unit of the target computer and the installation IP address value in association with each other; a start instruction means for instructing the auxiliary function unit of the target computer to start up the main function unit; a software transmission means for assigning the installation IP address to the main function unit of the booted target computer using the IP address assignment means and transmitting software corresponding to the target computer to the main function unit; and a control program for controlling the installation of the software.

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