Processor Remote Control via Network Card Wake-Up
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale computer systems like cloud computing or storage centers, using a baseboard management controller (BMC) to monitor and control each computer system is costly and inefficient, as it requires additional hardware and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A remote control method that utilizes a network card or timer to wake up the processor, allowing it to enter a system management mode and process management interface requests, thereby enabling remote control without the need for a BMC, using Wake-on-LAN (WOL) function or a timer to regularly send system management interrupts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a baseboard management controller (BMC) is disposed on the motherboard to monitor and control the computer system, then the computer system can be remotely controlled and monitored, but the cost increases due to additional hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the remote control functionality into the existing processor by utilizing its idle states and integrated components (network card, timer) rather than adding a separate BMC hardware module. The processor handles management interface requests during its idle period, combining monitoring and control functions with the main processing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary computational tasks and secondary remote control/monitoring functions. During idle states, the processor handles management interface requests, allowing a single component to serve multiple purposes and eliminating the need for dedicated BMC hardware.
2Reliability
If a BMC is disposed in every computer in a large-scale system, then each computer can be independently monitored, but the additional cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the monitoring capability into the processor itself, eliminating the need for separate BMC hardware in each computer. The processor uses its idle states to handle management requests, reducing hardware quantity while maintaining monitoring reliability across the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor serves itself by handling its own management and monitoring tasks during idle states. It processes management interface requests without requiring external BMC assistance, making each computer self-sufficient for monitoring purposes and reducing overall hardware requirements.
3Speed
If the processor remains in active state to process management requests immediately, then response speed is fast, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active processing states and idle power-saving states. During idle periods, it can still receive and process management interface requests using integrated components, providing periodic responsiveness without continuous high power consumption. The processor wakes up periodically to handle requests and returns to low-power state afterward.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system and a remote control method thereof are provided. The method is adapted for the computer system having a network and a processor. In the method, the network card is used to receive a management interface request sent by a remote device thorough a network and send a system management interrupt to the processor, so as to wake up the processor and control the processor to enter a system management mode. Then, the processor loads a management monitoring program into a memory so as to execute the management monitor program. Finally, the processor processes the management interface request by using the management monitoring program in the system management mode, and replies a processing result to the remote device through the network by using the network card.