Blade Server Virtual Address Pre-Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data centers, blade servers' network adapter addresses are manufacturer-assigned and static, making it impossible for system administrators to pre-configure network settings before installation, as these addresses are unknown until the servers are discovered.
Innovation Solution
A blade server management module (BSMM) stores a parameter block in non-volatile memory with virtual addresses and action identifiers, which the BIOS module detects upon powering on and modifies the communications adapter addresses based on these identifiers, allowing for dynamic address configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturer-assigned static addresses are used for network adapters, then address uniqueness and hardware identification are ensured, but pre-configuration of network settings before blade server installation becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring virtual addresses in the parameter block stored in non-volatile memory before the blade server is installed. The BSMM prepares the address configuration in advance, and the BIOS module detects and applies these pre-configured virtual addresses during system initialization, enabling network settings to be configured before the actual hardware installation and discovery process.
2Ease of operation
If manufacturer-assigned addresses are used, then hardware identity is preserved, but system administrator control and flexibility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual addresses as an intermediary layer between the administrator's configuration needs and the hardware's identity requirements. The parameter block stores virtual addresses that act as configurable proxies for the actual manufacturer-assigned addresses, allowing administrators to control network settings while the underlying hardware identity remains intact and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the virtual address parameter in the parameter block to be modified by the administrator. The BIOS module detects changes to this parameter and applies the new virtual address configuration, enabling flexible control over network adapter addresses while maintaining system reliability through structured parameter management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If static manufacturer addresses are assigned, then network adapter identity is fixed, but dynamic reconfiguration and mobility become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary configuration of virtual addresses in the parameter block, allowing network settings to be prepared in advance. When blade servers are moved or reconfigured, the pre-configured virtual addresses can be quickly applied by the BIOS module during initialization, significantly reducing the time required for reconfiguration compared to traditional discovery-based methods.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and products for managing virtual addresses of blade servers in a data center are disclosed that include storing by a blade server management module (‘BSMM’), in non-volatile memory of a blade server, a parameter block, the parameter block including one or more virtual addresses for communications adapters of the blade server and one or more action identifiers, each action identifier representing a type of address modification; detecting, by a basic input-output system (‘BIOS’) module of the blade server upon powering on the blade server, the parameter block; and modifying, by the BIOS module of the blade server in dependence upon the one or more action identifiers of the parameter block, an address of at least one communications adapter of the blade server.