BMC–BIOS Setup Option Transfer via PCIe Shared Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transmission of setup options between a baseboard management controller (BMC) and a basic input/output system (BIOS) via Redfish requires a USB network card hardware module, leading to slow transmission speeds.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a PCIe path for transmitting setup options between the BMC and BIOS, with the BIOS collecting and storing options in a shared memory space before adjustment, and the BMC adjusting based on these options without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If Redfish is used to transmit setup options via USB network card, then the BMC can be connected to BIOS, but the transmission speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shared memory space as an intermediary between the BMC and BIOS, allowing direct data exchange without requiring USB network card hardware. The setup options are transmitted through this shared memory space, eliminating the need for complex hardware intermediaries while improving transmission speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware-based USB network card transmission system with a software-based shared memory space mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for physical hardware modules while achieving faster and more efficient data transmission between BMC and BIOS.
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB network card hardware module is used for Redfish transmission, then setup options can be transmitted, but additional hardware is required
Solution Approach 1:
The shared memory space serves multiple functions: it acts as a transmission medium for setup options, provides data buffering, and enables direct communication between BMC and BIOS. This universal mechanism replaces the specialized USB network card hardware, reducing system complexity while maintaining transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared memory space acts as a mediator that enables communication between BMC and BIOS without requiring additional hardware modules. It provides a software-based intermediary layer that simplifies the system architecture while maintaining full transmission functionality.
3Ease of operation
If setup options are transmitted via Redfish over USB, then BMC adjustment is enabled, but transmission reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shared memory space provides a reliable intermediary channel for transmitting setup options directly between BIOS and BMC. This direct memory-based communication mechanism ensures data integrity and transmission reliability while maintaining ease of BMC adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The setup options are copied into the shared memory space by the BIOS and then read by the BMC, ensuring accurate data transmission. This copying mechanism through shared memory provides reliable data transfer without the errors and uncertainties associated with USB network card transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for processing a baseboard management controller and a method and apparatus for processing a basic input/output system are provided by the present application, wherein the server includes a baseboard management controller, a basic input/output system and a shared memory space; the basic input/output system is connected to the baseboard management controller via a PCIe path; the baseboard management controller stores a second character string that is preset; the second character string is modified by the baseboard management controller to obtain a third character string corresponding to a second setup option in response to the baseboard management controller transmitting the second setup option to the basic input/output system. In the present application, a setup option is transmitted via the PCIe path, without adding a hardware module, and the transmission speed of the setup option is also improved.