Network Card Standby Configuration Without Server Reboot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network configurations require host servers to be rebooted for network setting changes to take effect, which is inefficient and disrupts operations.

Innovation Solution

A network card device receives power and instructions from a host server in standby mode, allowing it to modify network settings without powering on the server, using a management controller device and power controller unit to communicate and configure settings via a client network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the host server is rebooted to change network settings, then the network settings can be modified, but the server downtime increases and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork setting configurationVSAvoidserver downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network card device performs preliminary actions by receiving and applying network setting changes before the host server is fully powered on or rebooted. The management controller device pre-configures network parameters, allowing the server to boot with desired settings already in place, thereby avoiding downtime for configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The management controller device acts as an intermediary between the network card device and the host server. It enables network configuration changes to be applied to the network card device independently of the host server's operational state, mediating the communication and settings transfer without requiring server reboot.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the host server remains in standby mode, then operational efficiency is maintained, but network settings cannot be changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveserver operational efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork setting flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the network configuration function from the host server's operational state. The network card device and management controller device operate independently of the host server's power state, allowing network settings to be modified while the server remains in standby mode, thus maintaining both productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces dynamic configuration capability where network settings can be changed at any time regardless of host server state. The management controller device dynamically applies settings to the network card device whether the server is in standby or operational mode, providing continuous adaptability without sacrificing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If network settings are changed during operational mode, then settings can be modified, but system stability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork setting changeabilityVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Network setting changes are performed as preliminary actions before the host server enters operational mode or during standby state. This timing ensures that configuration changes are applied when the system is most stable, avoiding the risk of instability that would arise from modifying settings during active operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The management controller device implements feedback mechanisms to verify that network setting changes are applied correctly and do not compromise system stability. It monitors the configuration application process and ensures that changes are validated before taking effect, maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8977733B1Configuring host network parameters without powering on a host server
Publication Date: 2015.03.10 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US8977733B1 patent drawing
  • US8977733B1 patent drawing
  • US8977733B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques are provided to adjust network settings for network connectivity resources used by a host server. A network card device, coupled to the host server, receives instructions to adjust network settings associated with the host server. Power is received from the host server at the network card device in order to allow the network card device to configure the network settings while the host server is in a standby mode. The network card device receives commands to adjust the network settings while the host server is in the standby mode.