Remote Baseboard Management Controller Reset via Intermediary Control Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer server systems lack an efficient method for remotely triggering a reset of a baseboard management controller when it is in an abnormal condition, requiring physical intervention and causing high loading on management controllers, which can lead to frequent breakdowns.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows a baseboard management controller in a normal condition to receive a reset command from a user via a network, transmitting a control signal to a control unit, which then sends a reset signal to another baseboard management controller in an abnormal condition, enabling remote reset without periodic detection, thus reducing the loading on the control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If periodic detection is implemented to automatically trigger reset of baseboard management controllers, then the system can detect abnormal conditions and trigger resets automatically, but the control unit experiences high loading conditions and becomes prone to breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic detection by the first baseboard management controller to monitor the operational status of the second baseboard management controller. When an abnormal condition is detected during these periodic checks, the system triggers a reset command. This periodic monitoring approach enables automatic detection while distributing the processing load, preventing the control unit from being overwhelmed by continuous high-frequency detection demands.
2Ease of operation
If a baseboard management controller in abnormal condition is reset through physical intervention, then the reset can be triggered, but the user must visit the location which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network communication channel as an intermediary between the user's external computer device and the baseboard management controllers. The first baseboard management controller acts as an intermediary that receives reset commands from external devices via the network and forwards them to the second baseboard management controller that needs resetting. This intermediary mechanism enables remote reset operations without requiring physical presence at the server location.
3Reliability
If the control unit continuously monitors all baseboard management controllers, then abnormal conditions can be detected, but the control unit experiences high loading and may become broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring function by assigning the first baseboard management controller to monitor the second baseboard management controller, rather than having a centralized control unit monitor all controllers. This segmentation distributes the detection burden across individual baseboard management controllers, reducing the loading on the control unit while maintaining reliable abnormal condition detection through the first controller's periodic monitoring of the second controller.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for remotely triggered reset of a baseboard management controller (BMC) of a computer system is disclosed. The computer system includes a first computer node, a second computer node and a control unit. The method includes: (A) receiving, by a first BMC of the first computer node, from a computer device and via a network, a reset command which indicates that reset of a second BMC of the second computer node should be triggered; (B) transmitting, by the first BMC and to the control unit, a control signal that corresponds to the reset command; and (C) transmitting, by the control unit and to the second BMC, a reset signal that corresponds to the control signal, so as to trigger reset of the second BMC.