Dynamic Primary Processor Identity Reassignment in Multi-Processor Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-processor socket servers, a faulty primary processor can render the entire system inoperable, as it is unable to load system initialization firmware and perform tasks, due to fixed processor identities and connections.
Innovation Solution
The service processor detects a processor socket reconfiguration event, disables the faulty processor socket, and reassigned the primary processor identity to a second processor socket, dynamically altering bus connections and processor identities to maintain system functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If processor identities are fixed to specific sockets, then system initialization and firmware loading are reliable, but system reliability deteriorates when a primary processor socket fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of processor identities by allowing the service processor to detect socket failures and reassign processor identities (primary, secondary, etc.) to different physical sockets. This transforms the static processor-socket mapping into a dynamic system that can adapt to hardware failures, resolving the contradiction between fixed identity reliability and failure resilience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of processor sockets by modifying which socket holds the primary processor identity and which holds secondary identities. When a failure is detected, the service processor alters the identity assignment parameters, enabling the system to maintain functionality despite hardware failures while preserving the structured processor hierarchy.
2Productivity
If all processor sockets remain active, then processing capacity is maximized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes failed processor sockets from active service by detecting their failure state and disabling them through the service processor. This allows the system to stop allocating energy to non-functional processors while maintaining the processing capacity of healthy sockets, effectively separating the failed components from the operational system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting processor socket failures and reconfiguring the processor identity assignments without human intervention. The service processor monitors system health, identifies failed sockets, and autonomously reassigns processor identities to maintain optimal processing capacity while reducing energy waste on failed components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a faulty primary processor socket is used, then system structure is maintained, but system functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to operate the faulty primary processor socket as intended, the system inverts the approach by identifying and designating a different, healthy socket as the new primary processor. This reversal of the primary socket role allows the system to maintain its structural organization and functionality despite the original primary socket's failure.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for dynamically reconfiguring a primary processor identity within a multi-processor socket server are provided. Embodiments include detecting, by the service processor, a processor socket reconfiguration event corresponding to a first processor socket; disabling, by the service processor, the first processor socket of the server in response to detecting the processor socket reconfiguration event; and reassigning, by the service processor, the primary processor identity to a second processor socket of the server.