Master Remote Access Controller Selection via Locality of Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed information handling systems, conflicts arise between remote management systems when administrators perform remote access and out-of-band management functions, necessitating a method to determine a master remote access controller (RAC) to resolve these issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining a master RAC by transmitting RAC parameters, including a locality of reference (LOR) value, among interconnected computing nodes, generating a list sorted by LOR values, and designating the RAC with the highest LOR value as the master RAC candidate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each computer in the network includes a remote management system, then remote access and out of band management functions can be performed on individual computers, but conflicts arise between the several remote management systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the distributed remote management systems into hierarchical segments: master RACs that coordinate globally and slave RACs that execute local operations. This segmentation prevents conflicts by establishing clear roles and authority levels, allowing each segment to operate independently within its designated scope while maintaining overall system coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces master RACs as intermediary entities between the administrator and slave RACs. These master RACs receive management requests, determine appropriate locality of reference values, and coordinate the execution of operations across multiple slave RACs. This intermediary layer prevents direct conflicts between slave RACs by centralizing coordination functions.
2Reliability
If a master RAC is designated to coordinate remote management operations, then conflicts between remote management systems are reduced, but additional complexity is introduced in determining and managing master RAC status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses locality of reference (LOR) values as a dynamic parameter to determine master RAC status. Instead of complex configuration procedures, the system automatically calculates LOR values based on predefined criteria (such as network position, hardware characteristics, or operational context) and designates the RAC with the highest LOR value as master. This parameter-based approach simplifies the determination process while maintaining reliable conflict resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and information handling system (IHS) determines a master remote access controller (RAC) in a distributed IHS having multiple communicatively-connected computing nodes with corresponding RACs. The method includes transmitting a first set of RAC parameters from a first RAC to several other RACs. The first set of RAC parameters includes a locality of reference (LOR) value for the first RAC. Several other sets of RAC parameters are received from the other RACs. A first list of all of the RACs is generated including the associated LOR values. The first list is sorted based on the LOR values and the RAC having the highest LOR value in the first list is designated as a first master RAC candidate.