Network Boot Loader for Portable OS Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems require bootable devices to be connected directly to an internal bus, making it difficult to separate the hard disk containing the operating system and user data for portability, security, or other reasons, and existing network-based booting methods are costly and complex, requiring a server infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow a computer to boot from a storage device directly attached to the network without an internal bus connection, using a boot loader and driver to access and load the operating system from a network-attached storage device, such as a NETDISK, using a network driver to communicate over the network and redirect the boot process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hard disk containing the operating system is connected directly to the internal bus, then the booting process is simple and reliable, but the system lacks portability and security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network boot loader as an intermediary component that enables the computer to boot from a network-attached storage device. The boot loader is stored in the ROM and acts as a mediator between the system bus and the network interface, allowing the operating system to be loaded from external network storage without direct internal bus connection, thus achieving both reliability and portability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a server infrastructure is used for network-based booting, then remote booting is enabled, but the system becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the boot server functionality from a separate server infrastructure and integrates it directly into the client computer's ROM. By storing the boot loader and operating system directly in the client's non-volatile memory, the system eliminates the need for external servers, network infrastructure, and complex client-server protocols, thereby reducing complexity and cost while maintaining remote booting capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operating system is stored on a network-attached device, then portability and security are improved, but the booting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing the boot loader in the computer's ROM during manufacturing. This pre-configured boot loader automatically executes when the system starts, seamlessly redirecting the boot process to the network-attached storage device without requiring user intervention or complex configuration, thus maintaining simplicity despite the external storage architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
System, device, method, computer, computer program and computer program product for computer booting devices not coupled to an internal local bus of the computer to be booted. Boot device may be network-attached device directly coupled to computer over network and not through another computer or server process. Method for redirecting booting process to look away from storage devices coupled to internal computer bus, and to look for external devices on network. Method of booting computer with operating system from storage device including executing a boot block loader program in the processor and memory of computer to be booted that before loading an operating system, loads device driver for accessing storage device; loading the operating system from storage device that is not directly coupled to internal local bus of computer using the device driver, to processor accessible memory; and booting computer from loaded operating system. Computer program and computer program product.