BMC Virtual Stacks for Scalable Node Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current BMC management systems require multiple management hardware devices for each computing platform, leading to increased costs and the need for separate physical network devices and unique network addresses, making it inefficient to manage multiple computing platforms.

Innovation Solution

A baseboard management controller (BMC) with a processor, physical network interface controller, and memory that initiates N virtual BMC stacks and virtual network interface controllers, allowing for scalable management of N computer nodes using a single physical network device by dynamically generating unique virtual MAC addresses and IP addresses, enabling communication through a shared physical network interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate management hardware devices are used for each computing platform, then each platform can be managed independently with dedicated resources, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent management capabilityVSAvoidnumber of management hardware devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the management functions by creating multiple virtual BMC stacks within a single physical BMC device. Each virtual BMC stack is assigned to manage a specific computing platform and has its own virtual network interface controller, thereby maintaining independent management capability while consolidating hardware resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes a single physical BMC device universal by enabling it to perform multiple management functions for multiple computing platforms simultaneously. The BMC can dynamically allocate virtual BMC stacks and network interface controllers to different platforms, allowing one device to serve multiple purposes that previously required separate dedicated devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate physical network device and unique network address are assigned to each managed computing platform, then network communication for IPMI messages is ensured, but the cost and network complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork communication capabilityVSAvoidnumber of physical network devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of network interface controllers within the BMC for each virtual BMC stack. These virtual network interface controllers emulate physical network devices, providing unique virtual MAC addresses and IP addresses to each managed platform, thereby ensuring proper network communication without requiring actual physical network hardware for each platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a virtual network interface controller as an intermediary between the physical network interface and the virtual BMC stacks. This intermediary layer handles network packet routing, address translation, and communication protocols, allowing multiple virtual platforms to share a single physical network connection while maintaining individual network identities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple management hardware devices are deployed to manage N computing platforms, then each platform receives dedicated management resources, but the scalability and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement coverageVSAvoidscalability to add platforms

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the BMC can create, configure, and allocate virtual BMC stacks and virtual network interface controllers on-demand based on the number of computing platforms being managed. This dynamic capability allows the system to scale flexibly from one to many platforms without requiring pre-provisioned physical hardware for each potential platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple management functions and network interfaces into a single physical BMC device by consolidating N separate management roles into one unified hardware platform. This consolidation maintains the functional independence of each managed platform while achieving hardware resource sharing, thereby improving scalability and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9331899B2Scalable BMC management stacks using virtual networks on single physical network device

Publication Date: 2016.05.03 AMERICAN MEGATRENDS

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a baseboard management controller (BMC) managing a computer system including N computer nodes. The BMC has: (a) a processor, (b) a physical network interface controller, (c) a first communication interface controller, (d) a memory having firmware stored. The firmware can: (a) initiate N virtual BMC stacks each managing at least one health or performance related aspect of a respective one of the N computer nodes, and (b) initiate N virtual network interface controllers each communicating with the physical network interface controller. Each of the virtual BMC stacks has a network interface configured to communicate with a respective virtual network interface controller, and each of the N virtual BMC stacks is configured to communicate with a network connected to the physical network interface controller through a virtual network interface controller.