Remote Power-On Management for High Density Server Modules

Solution Overview

Problem

In high-density server clusters, simultaneous power-on of multiple server modules can lead to a large inrush power load, which existing solutions either overbuild the power supply or rely on power management techniques that may not adequately prevent power over-budgeting when receiving remote power-on signals.

Innovation Solution

A system and method where a server module, part of a clustered server system with a central power management controller, routes power-on signals through a network interface controller to a baseboard management controller, which requests permission from the central controller before powering on, ensuring prior power budget checking and preventing unauthorized power-ons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple server modules are simultaneously powered on in a clustered server system, then the system can provide higher processing capacity and service availability, but a large inrush power load occurs that may exceed power supply capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidinrush power load

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The power management controller performs preliminary power budget checks before allowing remote power-on operations. When a WOL signal is received, the BMC intercepts it and queries the power management controller to verify sufficient power availability before forwarding the power-on command, preventing inrush power overload

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The baseboard management controller (BMC) acts as an intermediary between the network interface controller (which receives WOL signals) and the I/O control hub (which executes power-on). The BMC intercepts and filters remote power-on signals by coordinating with the central power management controller, preventing unauthorized power-ons that would cause inrush power issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If power management techniques are implemented to control inrush power load, then power supply capacity can be optimized, but the system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baseboard management controller (BMC) performs multiple functions: it manages local power-on operations, intercepts and filters remote WOL signals, communicates with the central power management controller, and controls power delivery to I/O devices. This multi-functionality consolidates control logic into existing components rather than adding separate dedicated controllers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through the power management controller's power budget checks. Before allowing a remote power-on, the BMC queries the current power budget status from the central controller, receives feedback on whether power is sufficient, and accordingly permits or blocks the power-on operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If remote power-on signals are allowed without permission checking, then system responsiveness to remote commands is improved, but power over-budgeting occurs when power availability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote command responsivenessVSAvoidpower budget compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power management controller performs preliminary power budget checks before allowing remote power-on operations. When a WOL signal is received, the BMC intercepts it and queries the power management controller to verify sufficient power availability before forwarding the power-on command, preventing power over-budgeting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The baseboard management controller (BMC) acts as an intermediary between the network interface controller (which receives WOL signals) and the I/O control hub (which executes power-on). The BMC intercepts and filters remote power-on signals by coordinating with the central power management controller, preventing unauthorized power-ons that would cause inrush power issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7325149B2Power-on management for remote power-on signals to high density server module

Publication Date: 2008.01.29 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A method and apparatus for managing power in a server system having clustered server modules. A remote power-on signal delivered to a particular server module is routed to a baseboard management controller (BMC) of the server module. The BMC communicates with a central power management controller (MC) of the server system to ensure that the system currently has sufficient power to power-on the server module.