GUID Partition Table Hidden Data Store for Pre-Boot Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information handling systems face issues such as data loss due to controller or storage subsystem failures, operating system failures, and inability to access data during pre-boot or pre-operating-system environments, requiring time-consuming backups and disrupting data access.
Innovation Solution
An Information Handling System (IHS) utilizing a Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) partition table (GPT) to create a Hidden Data Store (HDS) that includes local and networked storage elements, allowing access to critical data even during system failures by using a GPT-based storage device partition management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional storage systems with controller subsystems are used, then data storage is achieved, but data is lost during controller subsystem failure or storage subsystem formatting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into multiple independent components: the Hidden Data Store (HDS) is separated from the primary storage subsystem and controller. The HDS is further segmented into multiple HDS elements distributed across different storage devices. This segmentation ensures that failure of one component does not affect access to data in other components, resolving the contradiction between maintaining data accessibility and preventing data loss during controller or subsystem failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the HDS as an intermediary layer between the controller subsystem and the storage devices. The HDS contains backup data and can be accessed independently of the primary storage subsystem. This intermediary structure allows data retrieval even when the primary storage path is unavailable, resolving the contradiction by providing an alternative data access path that prevents data loss during failures.
2Reliability
If daily data backups to remote servers are performed, then data loss is prevented, but user time and effort are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backup function with the primary storage system by implementing the HDS within the same information handling system. Instead of using separate remote servers, the HDS elements are distributed across storage devices locally available to the system. This integration eliminates the need for separate backup operations and remote server access, resolving the contradiction by providing data protection without consuming additional user time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic data redundancy and backup management through the HDS structure without requiring user intervention. The processing system automatically manages HDS elements, data distribution, and retrieval operations. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by providing continuous data protection without requiring users to perform time-consuming manual backup operations.
3Reliability
If data is stored in storage subsystem accessed by server, then data storage is achieved, but data cannot be accessed during operating system failure or pre-boot environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the HDS universally accessible by implementing it at a level that is independent of the operating system. The HDS can be accessed during pre-boot environments, in recovery modes, and during normal operation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling data access across all system states, not just during normal operating system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of data access by implementing the HDS as a separate access path that bypasses the traditional operating system-dependent storage access method. The HDS elements can be accessed through alternative boot paths and recovery environments, creating a parallel access dimension that is independent of the primary operating system access path. This resolves the contradiction by enabling data access in previously inaccessible system states.
Data Source
AI summary
A GUID partition table (GPT) based Hidden Data Store (HDS) system includes first computing systems that include networked storage devices and that are coupled to a second computing system through a network. The second computing system include local storage devices that provide a GPT having a GPT entry that identifies local HDS elements that provides an HDS and that are included on the local storage devices, and networked HDS elements that provide the HDS and that are included on the networked storage devices. The second computing system also includes an HDS engine that receives the GPT entry and authorization credentials, determines that the authorization credentials allow access to the HDS and, in response, provides access to the local HDS elements that are included on the local storage devices, and provide access to the networked HDS elements that are included on the networked storage devices.