Remote Software Installation via Virtual Media and Network Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote software installation methods for information handling systems, such as those using virtual media, experience increased latency and longer installation times due to excessive network traffic and shared network connections, leading to potential connection timeouts as processing loads increase.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a remote management station to manage a remote information handling system by initially booting it with a virtual media device that emulates a physical media device, transferring boot and installation files over an out-of-band network connection, and then establishing a network connection to a network share for software code installation, thereby reducing the reliance on USB bus speeds for larger file transfers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If virtual media is used to remotely install software, then remote administration capability is improved, but installation time increases and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the installation process into two distinct phases: (1) initial boot and configuration file transfer via USB virtual media, and (2) bulk software code transfer via direct network connection. This segmentation allows each phase to use the most appropriate transmission method, reducing overall installation time while maintaining remote administration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by transferring boot files and network share information via USB virtual media before the main software installation. This preliminary setup enables the system to establish direct network connections for subsequent bulk data transfer, avoiding the latency of USB transmission during the time-critical installation phase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB virtual media is used for software installation, then device compatibility is improved, but network throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic transmission strategy that switches between USB virtual media and direct network connection based on the installation phase. Initially, USB virtual media is used for compatibility and boot operations, then the system dynamically transitions to direct network connection for bulk software transfers, optimizing throughput for each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses USB virtual media as a temporary intermediary for initial setup and configuration, but then eliminates this intermediary for the main software transfer by establishing direct network connections. This approach maintains the compatibility benefits of USB emulation while avoiding its throughput limitations during critical data transfer operations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple management controllers share a single network connection, then resource utilization is improved, but network congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary network configuration and boot operations via USB virtual media before multiple controllers need to simultaneously use the network connection for bulk transfers. This preliminary action reduces subsequent network congestion by establishing individual direct network connections for each controller during the actual installation phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are provided for installing software code on a remote information handling system (RIHS) comprising a management access controller (MAC). A remote management station (RMS) is implemented to manage the RIHS by communicating with its MAC over a network connection. The RIHS is initially booted by selecting a virtual media device (VMD) emulating a predetermined physical mass storage device containing a boot file and appearing to be physically attached via the RIHS's USB bus. Once booted, the RMS transfers additional boot files and installation files containing network share information to the MAC. The MAC transfers the files across a USB bus to the RIHS's memory where they are loaded and installed. A network connection is established to a network share comprising software code installation files. The software code installation files are then transferred from the network share to the RIHS for installation.