Dynamic Master Function for Multi-Function Adapter Data Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In modern multi-function network adapters, it is challenging to perform firmware dumps without disrupting other functions, as each function's firmware may need to be managed and serialized concurrently, and it is difficult to identify which function will perform a disruptive dump, affecting overall adapter management and serviceability.
Innovation Solution
A master function is dynamically selected to perform disruptive data collection while inhibiting disruptive processes in other functions, allowing non-master functions to collect data in a non-disruptive manner, ensuring minimal disruption across the adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each function performs firmware dump independently, then complete firmware data can be collected, but adapter performance is disrupted and other functions are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master function as an intermediary that coordinates firmware dump operations. The master function manages the dump process centrally, allowing other functions to suspend their disruptive dump operations. This mediator approach enables complete data collection while minimizing performance disruption to the adapter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary identification and selection of a master function before firmware dump operations begin. This advance preparation allows the system to establish coordination rules in advance, preventing conflicts during actual dump operations and maintaining adapter performance while ensuring complete data collection.
2Loss of information
If multiple functions perform disruptive firmware dumps simultaneously, then comprehensive data is collected, but adapter serviceability is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The master function serves as an intermediary that coordinates firmware dump operations. It manages the dump process centrally, allowing other functions to suspend their disruptive dump operations. This mediator approach enables complete data collection while minimizing performance disruption to the adapter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple firmware dump operations into a single coordinated process managed by the master function. Instead of allowing separate disruptive operations from multiple functions, the system combines them under unified control, ensuring comprehensive data collection while maintaining adapter serviceability.
3Productivity
If a master function is designated for disruptive data collection, then adapter availability is maintained, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary identification and selection of a master function before firmware dump operations begin. This advance preparation establishes clear coordination rules in advance, preventing conflicts during actual dump operations. The master function is selected based on predetermined criteria, reducing runtime coordination complexity while maintaining adapter availability.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided that collects data from a multi-function adapter that is used by multiple functions. In the approach, a master function is dynamically selected from the group of functions. The approach further allows the master function to perform a disruptive adapter data collection while inhibiting performance of disruptive adapter data collection processes by the other (non-master) functions.