Server Boot Control via Virtual Initiator Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data centers, existing systems face challenges in efficiently re-provisioning servers to adapt to changing workload demands, as current methods lack efficient mechanisms for transferring storage sessions and reconfiguring network access, leading to insufficient storage bandwidth and inadequate resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a management controller and virtual initiators within the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (uEFI) allows for seamless re-provisioning of servers by managing storage sessions and network access through a virtual initiator table, enabling servers to be reconfigured for different workloads by transferring initiators and updating boot settings, thereby optimizing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If servers are re-provisioned to adapt to changing workload demands, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but storage session transfer and network access reconfiguration become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual initiator copies that can be transferred between servers. Instead of physically moving storage sessions or reconfiguring complex network connections, the system copies virtual initiator identifiers and credentials, allowing the target server to assume the storage session identity seamlessly. This copying mechanism simplifies the re-provisioning process while maintaining storage bandwidth and access efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a management controller as an intermediary between servers and storage systems. This controller handles the complex tasks of storage session transfer, virtual initiator management, and network access reconfiguration automatically. By mediating these operations, the system reduces the complexity experienced by administrators while improving resource allocation efficiency through automated server re-provisioning.
2Device complexity
If manual reconfiguration methods are used for server re-provisioning, then system complexity is reduced, but time consumption and operational efficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where the management controller automatically detects when a server needs re-provisioning, selects appropriate virtual initiators from the virtual initiator table, and executes the transfer process without manual intervention. The system autonomously updates boot settings and reconfigures network access, dramatically reducing re-provisioning time while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures virtual initiators and stores them in a virtual initiator table before re-provisioning is needed. When a server requires re-provisioning, the management controller can immediately select and apply pre-prepared virtual initiator configurations, eliminating the time required for on-the-spot configuration. This preliminary preparation significantly accelerates the re-provisioning process while keeping the system structure organized and manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If storage sessions are transferred between servers, then resource utilization is optimized, but network access reconfiguration and storage bandwidth allocation become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual initiators with universal credentials that can access storage systems from multiple servers. A single virtual initiator configuration can be transferred to different servers, allowing the same storage session to be accessed from various hosts. This multi-functionality enables optimized resource utilization while maintaining reliable storage bandwidth allocation, as the storage system recognizes the virtual initiator credentials and maintains consistent access permissions across server transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining, by a management controller of a first server in a storage network, if a first virtual initiator is used by a second server in the storage network, wherein the first virtual initiator includes first boot information for allocating a first storage resource of the storage network, aborting a boot up of the first server in response to determining that the first virtual initiator is being used by the second server, and proceeding with the boot up of the first server in response to determining that the first virtual initiator is not used by the second server, wherein the boot up proceeds using the first boot information to allocate the first storage resource to the first server.