BMC Web Socket Virtual Media Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems lack effective implementation of virtual media redirection, particularly in managing and emulating media between a host computer and a computing device through web-based protocols.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a Web Socket connection between a baseboard management controller (BMC) web server and a browser program on a computing device to emulate virtual media, allowing for read commands to be processed and files to be retrieved and sent through the connection, enabling secure and efficient virtual media redirection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional virtual media redirection methods are used, then media can be redirected between host computer and computing device, but the system lacks effective web-based protocol implementation and secure efficient data access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary component that mediates between the BMC and the browser program. The web server receives HTTP requests from the browser, translates them into appropriate commands, and manages the virtual media redirection process. This intermediary enables web-based protocol implementation while maintaining secure and efficient data access through proper request handling and validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or direct connection-based virtual media redirection with a web-based protocol system. Instead of direct host-to-device communication, the system uses HTTP requests, HTML webpages, and web socket connections to enable media redirection. This substitution provides better adaptability to web-based protocols while maintaining reliability through standardized web communication mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual media emulation is implemented, then media redirection capability is provided, but the complexity of managing web-based communication protocols increases
Solution Approach 1:
The BMC is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a management controller and as a web server. The same BMC that manages hardware resources also handles web-based virtual media redirection, reducing the need for separate dedicated components. This universal approach provides versatile media redirection capability while managing complexity by consolidating functions within the existing BMC infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the browser program automatically receives and processes webpages containing virtual media information without requiring manual intervention. The web server autonomously generates appropriate HTML responses based on HTTP requests, and the browser automatically extracts and displays media content. This self-service approach reduces operational complexity while maintaining high adaptability for various media types.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of performing a virtual media redirection. The method includes: (a) establishing a Web Socket connection between a web server of a baseboard management controller (BMC) and a browser program of a computing device in a network, the BMC performing a management function of a host computer; (b) emulating, at the BMC, virtual media to the host computer; (c) receiving, at the BMC, a read command from the host computer and directed to the emulated virtual media, the read command specifying a first file; (d) in response to the read command, sending, at the BMC, a request for the first file according to the read command to the browser program through the Web Socket connection; and (e) receiving, at the web server, the first file from the browser program through the Web Socket connection.