BMC Virtual Network Adapter for Unified In-Band Out-of-Band Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server management methods require separate network adapters for in-band and out-of-band management, leading to resource wastage as both types of data need to occupy at least two network adapters.
Innovation Solution
A method for unified communication that uses an out-of-band network to transmit both in-band and out-of-band management data, employing a baseboard management controller (BMC) with a virtual network adapter to forward packets through a physical network adapter, eliminating the need for a dedicated service network adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate network adapters are used for in-band and out-of-band management, then management functionality is ensured, but service network adapter resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges in-band management traffic and out-of-band management traffic into a single out-of-band network adapter. The BMC receives both types of packets through the same physical network adapter and uses a virtual network adapter to differentiate and forward them appropriately, eliminating the need for separate network adapters for each management type.
Solution Approach 2:
The out-of-band network adapter is made universal by enabling it to handle both in-band management packets (containing service data) and out-of-band management packets (containing management data) through the same physical interface. The virtual network adapter provides multi-functionality by routing different packet types to appropriate destinations within the BMC.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated service network adapter is allocated for in-band management, then in-band management is supported, but resource utilization of the service network adapter decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual network adapter acts as an intermediary between the physical network adapter and the management systems. It receives packets from the physical adapter, identifies whether they are in-band or out-of-band management packets, and forwards them to the appropriate processing unit within the BMC, enabling the single physical adapter to serve multiple management purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments management traffic at the software/virtualization layer rather than requiring separate physical hardware. The virtual network adapter divides incoming traffic into in-band management packets and out-of-band management packets, allowing logical separation of functions while using a single physical network adapter, thereby improving resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for unified communication of a server, a baseboard management controller (BMC) receives a first packet sent by a server, and forwards the received first packet to a physical network adapter of the BMC using a preconfigured virtual network adapter, where the first packet includes first management data or service data. The first packet is sent to an external network via the physical network adapter. The virtual network adapter is further configured to send a second packet received by the BMC to a control module of the BMC, and the control module processes the second packet.