BIOS Payload Synchronization Engine for Pre-Boot Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In information handling systems, the pre-boot mode of basic input/output systems (BIOS) experiences performance degradation due to multiple copies of data being made during bulk image transfers, such as firmware updates or large file transfers, leading to inefficient data processing and storage.
Innovation Solution
A BIOS with a payload synchronization engine that checks a variable in the datagram header to bypass portions of the network and storage stacks, reducing the number of data copies required for transfer from the network interface to storage resource.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is transferred through the complete network stack and storage stack in pre-boot mode, then data integrity and protocol compliance are ensured, but the number of data copies increases to nine copies, degrading transfer performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network and storage stacks into distinct processing stages, identifying which stages are necessary for data integrity and which can be bypassed for bulk payload transfers. This allows selective execution of stack components based on transfer requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a payload synchronization engine as an intermediary component that receives data from the network interface and directly writes to the storage device, mediating between the network stack and storage stack to eliminate unnecessary copying operations while maintaining data integrity.
2Reliability
If multiple copies of data are made during bulk image transfers in pre-boot mode, then data can be processed through each layer of the network and storage stack, but transfer time increases significantly, leading to negative user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the data transfer requirements to determine whether a payload bypass is applicable, checking for specific markers or conditions in the incoming data that indicate bulk payload transfer, thereby preparing the optimized path in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the data transfer path based on the type of data being transferred, switching between the complete stack processing path for regular data and the bypass path for bulk payloads, making the system adaptive to different transfer scenarios.
3Device complexity
If the BIOS operates in single-threaded boot environment without scheduler or kernel, then system simplicity is maintained, but efficiency of bulk payload processing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms within the BIOS payload synchronization engine that automatically manage bulk payload transfers without requiring external scheduling or kernel intervention, handling buffer management, data routing, and synchronization autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical multi-copy data transfer mechanism with a more efficient direct write approach, substituting the conventional layered copying process with a streamlined path that achieves the same result with fewer operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include a processor, a network interface communicatively coupled to the processor, a storage resource communicatively coupled to the processor, and a basic input/output system (BIOS). The BIOS may be configured to, during a pre-boot environment of the information handling system: receive a datagram at the network interface from a network communicatively coupled to the network interface; determine if a variable is set within a header of the datagram indicating that a data payload of the datagram is to be bypassed by at least a portion of a network stack and a storage stack of the BIOS; and responsive to determining the variable is set, bypass the data payload by at least a portion of the network stack and the storage stack of the BIOS.