DAS Access via Smart BIOS Management Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Directly attached storage (DAS) systems become inaccessible when the connected computer system fails to power on or its operating system becomes inactive, as existing systems rely on a functional operating system for data access.
Innovation Solution
A hardware module, such as a smart BIOS or dedicated network card, with a dedicated management channel and port, allows remote access to DAS data even when the computer system is inactive, enabling power management and file system operations independent of the operating system, using a dedicated network address different from the computer system's.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If DAS is directly connected to computer system through HBA without network device, then storage cost is reduced and connectivity is simplified, but accessibility of DAS becomes dependent on computer system availability
Solution Approach 1:
A network interface card (NIC) is introduced as an intermediary component between the DAS and the computer system. The NIC includes a management channel that can communicate with the DAS independently of the computer system's operating system, enabling remote access to storage even when the computer system is inactive or failed.
2Device complexity
If DAS relies on operating system for data access, then system simplicity is maintained, but data accessibility is lost when operating system fails to boot or becomes inactive
Solution Approach 1:
The access path to DAS is segmented into two independent channels: the traditional OS-dependent path and a new management channel that operates independently. The management channel can access DAS directly through the HBA without requiring the operating system to be running, providing a separate recovery path.
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface card serves as an intermediary that bridges the management channel to the DAS. This intermediary component enables communication with storage devices without requiring the host operating system, allowing administrators to access and manage data remotely even when the computer system is unresponsive.
3Reliability
If dedicated management channel with separate network address is added, then DAS accessibility during failure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface card is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a standard network adapter for OS communication and as a management channel for independent DAS access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated hardware components, mitigating the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system to provide a highly available file system in a directly attached storage (DAS). The storage is directly attached to a computer system that has an inactive operating system. A hardware module in the computer system receives a network command to access the file system. The hardware module determines a physical location of data blocks to be accessed in the storage. According to the network command, the hardware module accesses the data blocks in the storage.