Dynamic Network Identity Architecture for Server Manageability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current out-of-band (OOB) manageability methods using shared address mode provide consistent network connections but increase network infrastructure overhead, while multi address mode offers better OOB traffic handling but at the cost of increased overhead and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A computing platform that can dynamically switch between shared address mode and multi address mode by acquiring a second address for the service processor, allowing it to operate as a separate entity on the network, thereby optimizing network infrastructure for both frequent and infrequent operations requiring persistent connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If shared address mode is used for OOB manageability, then network connection consistency is improved, but network infrastructure overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connection consistencyVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between shared address mode and multi address mode based on operational requirements. The network interface can transition from using a single shared IP address to using distinct IP addresses for platform and service processor, optimizing network infrastructure overhead while maintaining connection consistency when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If multi address mode is used for OOB manageability, then OOB traffic handling is improved, but network infrastructure overhead and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOOB traffic handlingVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic mode switching between shared address mode and multi address mode. Rather than permanently maintaining complex multi-address infrastructure, the system transitions to multi-address mode only when OOB traffic handling is required, then returns to simpler shared address mode, thereby reducing overall network infrastructure complexity while maintaining operational ease when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi address mode is used, then separate entity operation is improved, but network infrastructure overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparate entity operationVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The platform and service processor dynamically allocate distinct IP addresses only when separate entity operation is required. During normal operations, the system uses shared address mode with a single IP address. When separate entity operation becomes necessary, the system transitions to multi address mode, acquiring additional addresses temporarily, then returns to shared mode, thereby maintaining adaptability while minimizing network infrastructure overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8902906B2Dynamic network identity architecture

Publication Date: 2014.12.02 INTEL CORP

AI summary

In an embodiment, a method is provided. The method of this embodiment provides receiving indication of an event at a platform operating in shared address mode, the platform having an auxiliary entity, in response to the indication of the event, switching operation of the platform to multi address mode by acquiring a second address, and assigning the second address to the auxiliary entity, and receiving one or more packets directed to the second address.