EFI Pre-Start Configuration for Disk Array Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-availability computing systems, failovers involving disk storage arrays require reconfiguration and rebooting to switch between host-bus adapters running different operating systems, leading to interruptions and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pre-start configuration phase in the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) boot sequence allows for configuration changes without rebooting, enabling seamless transitions between host adapters and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disk array is reconfigured to recognize a reserve host-bus adapter after a failover, then the system can access the disk array via the reserve adapter, but the system requires shutdown and rebooting which causes interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the reserve host-bus adapter with the appropriate virtual identity and drivers during the EFI pre-start phase before the operating system boots. This pre-configuration ensures that when a failover occurs, the reserve adapter is already ready to immediately assume the primary adapter's identity and access the disk array without requiring system shutdown or reboot, thus eliminating downtime while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the EFI pre-start configuration phase as an intermediary mechanism between hardware initialization and operating system startup. This intermediary phase allows configuration of the reserve host-bus adapter with virtual identities and drivers before the OS needs to access storage, enabling seamless failover without interruptions to the running system
2Adaptability or versatility
If configuration changes are made to devices after they have started, then the configuration can be updated, but a reboot is required for changes to take effect which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing all necessary configuration changes during the EFI pre-start phase before the operating system and devices are fully started. Configuration files are read, virtual identities are assigned, and drivers are loaded into the EFI before device startup begins. This ensures configuration flexibility is achieved without requiring reboots, thereby maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the boot process into distinct phases: a pre-start configuration phase where all configuration changes are made, and a start phase where devices are initialized with those configurations. This segmentation allows configuration flexibility to be achieved independently of device startup, eliminating the need for reboots and maintaining system efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system provides an extensible firmware interface with a pre-start configuration phase. This permits configuring a device prior to beginning a start phase for the device.