Baseboard Management Controller Partitioning Multi-Processor Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing systems lack flexibility in configuring and managing multi-processor systems, as each node operates independently and existing virtualization methods do not allow for dynamic partitioning of resources effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables a baseboard management controller to partition a multi-processor system into independent nodes by disabling processor interconnects, managing power, and assigning resources, allowing for flexible operation as either unified or partitioned nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each computing node operates independently with its own system management entity, then system reliability and independence are improved, but device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple system management entities into a single baseboard management controller that manages multiple processor units. This consolidation reduces the number of independent management entities while maintaining the ability to partition and independently manage computing nodes when needed, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic partitioning of the multi-processor system into independent computing nodes through software configuration. This segmentation allows the system to operate as either a unified system or as multiple independent nodes with full system management capabilities, providing flexibility to balance between independence and management complexity based on operational requirements.
2Productivity
If virtualization is used to support multiple environments on one computing node, then resource utilization improves, but system flexibility and configurability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic system partitioning that allows computing nodes to be created, modified, or merged at runtime based on workload requirements. This dynamic configurability goes beyond static virtualization by enabling actual hardware partitioning and reconfiguration, providing both high resource utilization and flexible system adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where a single baseboard management controller can manage the system in multiple modes: as a unified multi-processor system, as partitioned independent nodes, or in hybrid configurations. This universal management capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining efficient resource utilization.
3Device complexity
If a single baseboard management controller manages multiple processor units, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide independent system management for each node is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the single baseboard management controller to logically segment and manage multiple processor units as independent computing nodes through software configuration. This virtual segmentation provides independent system management capabilities for each node while physically maintaining a single management controller, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing independent management capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer program product includes a non-volatile computer readable medium and non-transitory program instructions embodied therein, the program instructions being configured to be executable by a processor of a baseboard management controller in a multi-processor system to cause the processor to perform various operations. The operations include initiating disabling of a processor interconnect between first and second central processing units in the multi-processor system and initiating boot of the first central processing unit, wherein the first central processing unit operates in a first partitioned node independent of the second central processing unit.