PCI Switch Management Server Device Assignment Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer systems employing PCIe switches, managing a large number of PCI devices is challenging due to insufficient information available for administrators, leading to increased setup time and risk of errors, especially when assigning devices to servers with varying OS types and versions, and when using virtualization technology.
Innovation Solution
A management method that automatically acquires detailed information on PCI devices, including type and performance, by notifying the management server of changes, requesting basic information, determining assignment states, and storing detailed information in a PCI device table, allowing easy search and assignment of PCI devices to servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the management server acquires only basic information specified by PCI bus protocol via the management interface, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the information completeness deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that acts as a bridge between the management server and the PCIe switch. This intermediary automatically collects detailed PCI device information (including driver compatibility and virtualization support) from multiple sources, processes it, and presents it to administrators through a unified interface. This resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive information without requiring administrators to manually gather data from multiple complex sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically acquiring and organizing detailed PCI device information without requiring administrator intervention. The management server autonomously collects device specifications, driver compatibility data, and virtualization support information, then makes this information readily available for assignment decisions, eliminating the need for administrators to manually research device compatibility.
2Loss of information
If the administrator manually acquires and manages detailed information on PCI devices, then the information completeness is improved, but the loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-collecting and organizing all necessary PCI device information (driver compatibility, virtualization support, device specifications) before administrators need to make assignment decisions. The system maintains an up-to-date database of device information, so when assignment time comes, administrators can immediately access pre-processed data without manual research, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining complete information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the administrator manually assigns PCI devices to servers, then the adaptability to different OS types and versions is improved, but the loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system automatically evaluates PCI device compatibility with target servers based on OS type, version, and virtualization requirements. The management server collects feedback information about device-OS compatibility and virtualization support, then uses this feedback to recommend or automatically assign appropriate devices, maintaining high adaptability while reducing the time administrators spend on compatibility research and assignment decisions.
4Ease of operation
If basic information on PCI devices is used for management, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of device assignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (administrators manually researching and verifying device compatibility) with an automated information system. The management server automatically gathers detailed device information including driver compatibility matrices and virtualization support data, then presents this processed information to administrators or uses it for automated assignment. This substitution maintains ease of operation while significantly improving assignment reliability through comprehensive, accurate information.
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes a PCI switch connecting a plurality of computers via a PCI interface; and a management server which controls assignment of PCI devices and computers connected to the PCI switch. The PCI switch reports an addition or change of a PCI device to the management server. The management server obtains basic information for the PCI device upon receipt of the report, determines an assignment state of the PCI device to either occupation or sharing, and instructs the PCI switch to assign the PCI device to the management server in the determined assignment state. The management server reads a driver of the PCI device connected through the PCI switch, and obtains detailed information of the PCI device through the driver.