License Manager Dynamic NVMe Visibility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems lack efficient mechanisms to dynamically manage and allocate data storage capacity without requiring system reboots, particularly in supporting 'as-a-service' models where users need to adjust storage usage based on demand.
Innovation Solution
An information handling system with a license manager that implements different licenses to control visibility and availability of data storage devices, using a System Firmware Intermediary (SFI) or Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) to mask/unmask NVMe data storage devices, allowing for increased or decreased data storage capacity without rebooting the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional storage capacity changes are implemented through system reboot, then storage configuration can be changed, but system availability decreases and operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage capacity management by enabling the license manager to modify storage device visibility and capacity allocation in real-time without requiring system reboot. The system transitions from static storage configuration (fixed at boot) to dynamic configuration (changeable during operation), allowing storage capacity to be adjusted on-demand while maintaining system availability and operational continuity.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple storage devices are always visible to host, then storage capacity is maximized, but resource waste increases when full capacity is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts storage device visibility based on licensed capacity requirements. When full storage capacity is not needed, excess storage devices can be hidden from the host system, preventing resource waste while maintaining available capacity when needed. This dynamic visibility control enables efficient resource utilization aligned with actual service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The license manager applies different visibility states to different storage devices based on the licensed capacity allocation. Instead of uniformly making all storage devices visible or invisible, the system selectively controls which devices are visible to the host, optimizing resource utilization by making only the necessary storage capacity accessible while keeping excess capacity hidden but available for future activation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If storage configuration changes require license manager restart, then configuration can be updated, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The license manager implements dynamic configuration updates that take effect immediately without requiring restart. The system processes license changes and storage visibility modifications in real-time, eliminating the operational complexity of manual restart procedures while maintaining full configuration flexibility. This enables automated, seamless storage capacity adjustments during system operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system includes a host processing system, first and second data storage devices having respective first and second data storage capacities, and a license manager. The license manager implements a first license, receives a second license, and implements the second license without rebooting the information handling system. The first license defines a first configuration where the first data storage device is visible and the first data storage capacity is available to the host processing system, and the second data storage device is not visible and the second data storage capacity is not available to the host processing system. The second license defines a second configuration where both data storage devices are and both data storage capacities are available to the host processing system.