Storage Processor PXE Boot via Peer Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PXE booting of storage processors requires a constantly connected external PXE server and manual intervention, which is inconvenient and inefficient, especially during erasure processes.
Innovation Solution
A system where two storage processors within a storage enclosure communicate with each other to initiate and complete a PXE boot process, with one acting as a PXE client and the other as a PXE server, using a DHCP server and boot server to exchange necessary information, such as an IP address and boot image, allowing for autonomous rebooting without external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a separate external PXE server is used to boot storage processors, then the boot process can be initiated, but the system requires constant external connection and manual intervention, reducing automation and operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the PXE server functionality into the storage enclosure itself, specifically into a management processor within the enclosure. This eliminates the need for a separate external PXE server by combining the boot service capability with the existing storage management infrastructure. The management processor can now serve as both a management controller and a PXE server for booting storage processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage enclosure provides self-service booting capabilities through its integrated management processor that acts as a PXE server. The system can autonomously boot storage processors without requiring external intervention or manual connection of service laptops. The enclosure manages its own boot operations internally using its existing network infrastructure and processing resources.
2Productivity
If an external PXE server is constantly connected to boot storage processors during erasure processes, then rebooting can be performed, but the process requires manual intervention and constant external connection, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The storage enclosure provides self-service booting capabilities through its integrated management processor that acts as a PXE server. The system can autonomously boot storage processors without requiring external intervention or manual connection of service laptops. The enclosure manages its own boot operations internally using its existing network infrastructure and processing resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The management processor within the storage enclosure is pre-configured with PXE server capabilities and boot image storage. This preliminary preparation allows the system to immediately perform boot operations without requiring external setup or manual intervention when reboots are needed during or after erasure processes.
3Reliability
If a separate PXE server is used for booting storage processors, then the boot function is provided, but the system has high dependency on external systems and lacks autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the PXE server functionality into the storage enclosure itself, specifically into a management processor within the enclosure. This eliminates the need for a separate external PXE server by combining the boot service capability with the existing storage management infrastructure. The management processor can now serve as both a management controller and a PXE server for booting storage processors.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for pre-execution environment (PXE) booting a storage processor from a peer storage processor allows for the ability to reboot and/or restart the storage processor without an externally connected PXE server. In response to a reboot request of the storage processor, the peer storage processor pushes an operating system boot image and/or other information to the storage processor for PXE booting the storage processor, and vice versa. The system may also operate with multiple coupled computers.