Aggregate BMC Controller for Hybrid Switch Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In rack scale servers, the lack of a separate physical network controller for hybrid switches prevents the host processor and BMC from sharing the network controller, leading to increased costs due to the use of dedicated Ethernet ports for BMC communication, as there is no sideband interface.

Innovation Solution

An aggregate BMC controller (ABC) is communicatively coupled with both the hybrid switch and BMCs, configured to send and receive networking messages and I/O bus messages, converting between the two protocols to facilitate message exchange, thereby enabling communication without the need for a separate physical network controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate physical network controller is used for hybrid switches, then the host processor and BMC can share the network controller via sideband interface, but the system complexity and cost increase due to dedicated Ethernet ports being required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork controller sharing capabilityVSAvoidphysical component count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the network controller functionality into the hybrid switch itself, eliminating the need for a separate physical network controller. The hybrid switch integrates both switching and network controller functions, allowing the host processor and BMC to share the network controller through virtualization rather than requiring separate physical devices. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to share network resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a network switch and a network controller. This multi-functionality allows the same physical device to serve both the host processor and BMC, eliminating the need for dedicated separate network controllers and reducing the requirement for additional Ethernet ports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate physical network controller is deployed, then dedicated Ethernet ports can be used for BMC communication, but the cost increases due to additional hardware requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBMC communication capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the network controller functions within the hybrid switch, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated Ethernet ports for BMC communication. The hybrid switch's integrated network controller handles both host and BMC traffic, reducing hardware requirements and system cost while maintaining reliable communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses virtualization to create a virtual network controller within the hybrid switch that emulates the functionality of a separate physical network controller. This virtual copy allows the BMC to communicate without requiring dedicated physical Ethernet ports, reducing hardware costs while maintaining communication reliability through software-based network management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If hybrid switches are used without separate network controllers, then system cost is reduced, but message exchange between hybrid switch and BMC becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem costVSAvoidmessage exchange efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a virtual network controller as an intermediary component within the hybrid switch that mediates message exchange between the BMC and the switch. This virtual controller manages the communication protocols and data routing, ensuring efficient message exchange despite the integrated architecture eliminating separate physical network controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a physical dimension of network controller separation to a virtual dimension where network control functions are implemented as software components within the hybrid switch. This dimensional shift allows efficient message exchange through virtualization techniques while maintaining cost reductions from hardware consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9898435B2Aggregate baseboard management controller (BMC) controller

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Apparatuses, methods and storage media associated with the exchange of messages between a hybrid switch and one or more baseboard management controllers (BMCs) are described herein. Specifically, an aggregate BMC controller (ABC) may be communicatively coupled with both the hybrid switch and the BMCs and configured to facilitate the exchange of messages between the hybrid switch and the one or more BMCs. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.