Out-of-band Platform Switch for Network Resiliency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Enterprise networks face vulnerabilities due to single points of failure in network forwarding devices like routers and switches, which are also costly, straining IT budgets, especially for small to medium businesses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing out-of-band (OOB) platform switches that utilize an OOB management controller and network interface to provide packet switching capabilities independently of the operating system, using an OOB communication channel for routing and management, allowing for increased redundancy and flexibility in network topology adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional network forwarding devices (routers and switches) are used, then network packet switching capability is provided, but single points of failure vulnerability and high cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling standard server hardware to perform network forwarding functions. The server system executes packet routing operations through software-based network forwarding, allowing a single system to serve both as a compute resource and a network router, eliminating the need for dedicated specialized hardware and reducing single points of failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating virtual network functions through software. Instead of relying on physical specialized hardware, the system uses virtualized network forwarding capabilities that can be replicated and distributed across multiple standard server platforms, providing redundancy without requiring expensive dedicated equipment.
2Reliability
If expensive specialized hardware is used for network forwarding, then reliable packet switching is achieved, but IT budget strain occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing expensive, long-lived specialized network hardware with standard, more affordable server systems. The approach uses commodity hardware that can be readily replaced or scaled, reducing the financial barrier to entry for small to medium businesses while maintaining network functionality through software-based forwarding.
Solution Approach 2:
By enabling standard servers to perform network forwarding, the patent eliminates the need for separate expensive specialized hardware purchases. The same hardware infrastructure serves multiple purposes (compute and networking), consolidating IT spending and reducing overall budget requirements while maintaining reliable packet switching capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network topology changes are needed, then adaptability is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing software-based network forwarding that can be dynamically reconfigured. Network topology changes can be made through software updates or configuration changes without physical hardware reconfiguration, allowing flexible adaptation to changing network requirements while simplifying operational management through programmable control.
Data Source
AI summary
A packet is received from a network at an out-of-band (OOB) network interface of an OOB platform switch of a computer system. A destination of the packet is identified. A next hop is determined along a path the packet may be routed to reach the destination. The packet is forwarded to the next hop via the OOB network interface by the OOB platform switch.