Runtime BIOS Configuration via SMI Without Server Restart
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing BIOS configuration methods require a server restart to modify configuration items after the operating system is started, leading to service interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method using an out-of-band controller to send a system management interrupt (SMI) signal to the CPU while it is running the OS, allowing it to switch to BIOS mode for configuration item modification without restarting the system, enabling continuous server service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the server restarts twice to modify BIOS configuration items, then the configuration modification can take effect, but the services running on the server will be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading the BIOS configuration data into memory before the OS starts, and using an SMI handler to process configuration changes without requiring a full system restart. The out-of-band controller prepares the configuration data in advance, allowing the BIOS to be modified while the OS continues running, thus maintaining service continuity while enabling configuration changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the OS is restarted to modify BIOS configuration, then the BIOS can be updated, but the system operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the SMI handler and out-of-band controller - that mediates between the OS and BIOS configuration changes. The SMI handler acts as an intermediary layer that allows the BIOS to be modified through a standardized interrupt mechanism without requiring the OS to stop. The out-of-band controller serves as another intermediary that facilitates configuration data transfer and processing, enabling BIOS updates while the system continues operating.
3Productivity
If the server runs continuously without restart, then service performance is maintained, but BIOS configuration items cannot be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the BIOS configuration system dynamic and adaptable during runtime. Instead of a static BIOS that requires system shutdown for changes, the system dynamically processes configuration changes through SMI handlers while the OS is running. The out-of-band controller dynamically transfers configuration data, and the BIOS can adapt to new settings without restarting, allowing the system to maintain high productivity while gaining configuration flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application provide a configuration method and a server that relate to the field of basic input output system (BIOS) technologies. In the configuration method, after an out-of-band controller determines the content to be configured for the target configuration item that supports online modification, when a Central Processing Unit (CPU) is running an operating system (OS), the out-of-band controller sends a system management interrupt (SMI) signal to the CPU to instruct the CPU to switch from running the OS to running the BIOS, and while running the BIOS, the CPU configures the content to be configured for the target configuration item, to modify the target configuration item. The system management interrupt signal may instruct the CPU to resume running the OS after the CPU completes the configuration of the target configuration item, allowing the target configuration item to be modified without a system restart.