NFC Tag Memory Virtualization via Microcontroller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current NFC communication systems in data centers face inefficiencies in data transmission rates and security, particularly when managing frequently updated server management data, due to limited bandwidth and the need for close proximity between devices, which can lead to user discomfort and increased wear on NFC device memory.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a microcontroller to manage NFC transceiver memory, allowing for virtual tag sizes and increased transfer rates by partitioning memory and using external memory for data storage, ensuring concurrency and security through LDAP authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NFC communication is used for server management data, then security is improved through physical proximity requirements, but data transmission rate and memory capacity are limited by the NFC tag's small bandwidth and limited memory space
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments NFC communication into two distinct phases: a security authentication phase using traditional NFC for verifying device identity and authorization, and a data transfer phase using the server's existing network infrastructure (Ethernet/Wi-Fi) for high-speed data transmission. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the security benefits of NFC without being constrained by its bandwidth limitations during actual data transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server-side memory system with virtual tag file locations as an intermediary between the NFC authentication layer and the data storage layer. This intermediary enables the server to present a virtual memory interface that appears to have large capacity to the mobile device, while actually utilizing the server's own memory resources backed by disk storage, thereby bridging the gap between NFC's limited capacity and the need for large data storage.
2Loss of information
If NFC tag memory is frequently updated to reflect current server management data, then data freshness is improved, but internal flash memory wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the NFC tag memory interface on the server side, presenting a virtual tag file location that mirrors the actual physical tag memory. This virtual copy allows the server to store management data in its own memory or disk storage, which can be freely updated without wearing down the mobile device's flash memory. The virtual interface provides the same read/write functionality while decoupling the write operations from the physical memory that would otherwise be worn by frequent updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-layer memory architecture to a multi-layer memory hierarchy. Instead of directly writing to the mobile device's NFC tag memory, the system introduces an intermediate layer of server-side memory and virtual file system. This dimensional addition allows data to be stored and updated in the server's memory space, which has different wear characteristics and much larger capacity, while still presenting the same interface to the mobile device.
3Reliability
If NFC devices are placed in close proximity for communication, then communication reliability is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to the need to hold devices close together for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authentication and security verification using NFC while the mobile device is in close proximity to the server, but then maintains this authenticated connection through the server's network infrastructure for subsequent data transfers. This preliminary authentication action allows the user to quickly establish secure communication without needing to maintain close proximity during the actual data transfer operations, improving both comfort and efficiency.
4Quantity of substance
If the NFC tag memory space is extended beyond physical limits, then data capacity is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual memory mapping layer as an intermediary that translates NFC tag address requests into server-side memory or disk storage locations. This virtual layer presents a simplified interface to the mobile device while managing the actual storage resources on the server side, thereby providing extended capacity without requiring complex changes to the mobile device's hardware or firmware.
Solution Approach 2:
The server's existing memory and storage infrastructure is made multi-functional by using it to serve both as the primary data storage system and as a virtual memory extension for NFC communications. This universal utilization of existing resources avoids the need for dedicated hardware extensions, thereby providing large memory capacity with minimal additional system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Near Field Communication (NFC) supports server information handling system management through communication between a mobile information handling system and a baseboard management controller. Enhanced transfer by NFC of management information is provided by manipulating the NFC tag memory assigned for information transfer with the aid of a microcontroller coordinating NFC transfers at the baseboard management controller. The microcontroller manages tag memory and/or system memory so that the portable information handling system writes and reads information beyond the capabilities of unaided tag memory. In one embodiment, the baseboard management controller defines file locations in microcontroller memory so that an application associated with an external NFC device can obtain the files from an NFC transceiver managed by the microcontroller.