BIOS Component Disable Module for NIC Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current management alert protocols, such as ASF and AMT, limit the techniques available for administrators to manage the accessibility of network interface cards (NICs) and other components in computer systems, making it difficult to disable components like NICs for using alternative networking devices.

Innovation Solution

A computer system with a component disable module, integrated into the BIOS, that queries the enabled state of AMT or ASF protocols during boot and provides a user interface to enable or disable NICs, allowing administrators to manage component accessibility through a component disable interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ASF or AMT management protocols are used to manage NIC accessibility, then component management capability is provided, but the techniques available to administrators are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent management capabilityVSAvoidadministrator control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new management interface that acts as an intermediary between administrators and the existing ASF/AMT protocols. This interface provides enhanced control capabilities by sitting atop the existing protocol infrastructure, allowing administrators to manage component accessibility with greater flexibility while the underlying ASF or AMT protocol handles the actual component control operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If existing management protocols are used, then component accessibility management is enabled, but the system lacks a straightforward method to toggle component availability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent accessibility controlVSAvoidcomponent toggling simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the management functionality by separating the high-level administrative interface from the underlying protocol operations. The new management interface divides complex protocol interactions into simple toggle operations for administrators, while maintaining reliable component control through the established ASF or AMT protocol layers below.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If NICs are disabled for alternative networking devices, then alternative networking is enabled, but existing protocol limitations prevent straightforward component disabling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetworking device flexibilityVSAvoidcomponent management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The new management interface serves as an intermediary that simplifies the process of disabling NICs for alternative networking devices. It provides a straightforward administrative command that handles the complexity of protocol interactions internally, allowing administrators to switch between networking devices without dealing with the underlying ASF or AMT protocol complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7664943B2Managing access to computer components

Publication Date: 2010.02.16 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

In one embodiment a computer system comprises a user interface and a component disable module including logic to initiate boot operations, and present, on a user interface, a component disable feature when at least one of an active management technology or an alert standard format are disabled on the computer system.