SAS JBOD Cable Routing Verification via BMC Identifier Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In data centers, locating and verifying data cable connections between various components, especially remote ones, is challenging due to the complexity of numerous connectors and circuit boards, often leading to human error.
Innovation Solution
A network system and method that uses a data storage server with a switch device and processing nodes equipped with BMC and HBA, where a cable identifier is stored and managed by a data resource manager to scan and verify connections, including SAS JBOD configurations, avoiding manual ID reading from EEPROMs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual methods are used to locate and verify cable connections in data storage arrays, then human operators can physically trace and identify connections, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-verification of cable connections by having the data storage array and processing nodes autonomously scan, detect, and report their connection status and cable identifiers without requiring manual physical tracing by operators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracing methods with electronic scanning and automated detection systems that use software agents to identify and verify cable connections through electrical signals and identifier reading
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous connectors and circuit boards are used to achieve flexible data storage configurations, then system adaptability and storage capacity are improved, but the complexity of locating and verifying cable connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback loops where scanning agents continuously report connection status and cable identifiers back to the management system, which then verifies and documents the connection topology without requiring operator intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces scanning agents and management software as intermediaries that automatically mediate the verification process between numerous connectors and circuit boards, eliminating the need for operators to manually navigate the complex physical infrastructure
3Loss of information
If cable identifiers are stored in EEPROMs on cables, then connection information can be read, but manual reading and verification of these identifiers is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning agents automatically read cable identifiers from EEPROMs and other storage locations without requiring manual intervention, with the system self-verifying that the read information matches the physical connection topology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual reading of cable identifiers with automated electronic scanning and detection systems that programmatically extract and verify identifier information from cable storage locations
Data Source
AI summary
A network system is directed to the locating and verifying data cable routing. The network system includes a data storage server with a switch device, and processing nodes, where each of processing node includes a baseboard management controller (BMC) and a host bus adapter (HBA). The network system also includes a data cable electrically connected to the switch device of the data storage server and the HBA of the processing node. A cable identifier is stored in the BMC of the processing node and the data storage server. The data storage server and each of the processing nodes are managed by a data resource manager configured to read the cable identifier stored in the BMC of the processing node and the data storage server.