Network I/O Device Remote Management Without BMC

Solution Overview

Problem

Low-cost computing devices deployed in Internet Portal Data Centers lack a baseboard management controller (BMC), making it difficult to provide remote management functionalities such as secure power actions, BIOS configuration, and sensor access, which are essential for managing large numbers of geographically dispersed servers effectively.

Innovation Solution

A network I/O device within the computing device acts as a remote command manager, establishing a secure communication link with a remote management application to implement management functions, including power control, watchdog timer management, and sensor monitoring, without the need for a separate BMC, using standards like IPMI and SMBus, and protocols like Ethernet and PCI Express.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a baseboard management controller (BMC) is included to provide remote management functionality, then remote management capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote management capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the remote management controller functionality with the existing network I/O device, merging two separate functions into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for a separate BMC while maintaining remote management capabilities through the network interface card that can receive and process management commands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The network I/O device is designed to perform multiple functions: both standard network data transmission and remote management operations. By making the network interface universal, it can handle both types of traffic, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated management controller and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a baseboard management controller (BMC) is included to provide remote management functionality, then remote management capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote management capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the remote management controller functionality with the existing network I/O device, merging two separate functions into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for a separate BMC while maintaining remote management capabilities through the network interface card that can receive and process management commands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The network I/O device is designed to perform multiple functions: both standard network data transmission and remote management operations. By making the network interface universal, it can handle both types of traffic, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated management controller and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If network I/O device provides remote management functionality without BMC, then device complexity is reduced, but security of remote management may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a management command interface that acts as an intermediary between the network I/O device and the system management functions. This interface layer provides security controls and authentication mechanisms, ensuring that remote management commands are properly verified and authorized before being executed, thereby maintaining security without requiring a separate BMC.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11792271B2Remote management for a computing device

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Examples are disclosed for remote management of a computing device. In some examples, a secure communication link may be established between a network input/output device for a computing device and a remote management application. Commands may be received from the remote management application and management functions may be implemented at the network input/output device. Implementation of the management functions may enable the remote management application to manage or control at least some operating parameters of the computing device. Other examples are described and claimed.