Server Controller Network Configuration Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Server systems face challenges in managing network configurations, particularly when a network interface controller (NIC) is malfunctioning or disconnected, as they need to determine whether to share or maintain a network connection for communication with other systems or the Internet.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a controller in a server system determines whether to share a network connection by disabling or enabling dedicated and shared network connections between the controller, computing module, and NIC, using interfaces like NCSI, SMBus, and SERDES, and adjusting PHY chip hardware strapping to switch between configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated network connection is maintained between the controller and NIC, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple connection paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between dedicated and shared network connection modes based on real-time conditions such as computing module presence, power status, and NIC functionality. The controller can transition from a dedicated connection to a shared connection through the computing module, or vice versa, allowing the network configuration to adapt to changing system states rather than remaining static
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface is designed to serve multiple functions through a single unified interface. The same physical NIC can be accessed directly by the controller or indirectly through the computing module, allowing one network interface to fulfill both dedicated and shared connection roles, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated connections for each scenario
2Device complexity
If a shared network connection is used between controller and NIC via computing module, then device complexity is reduced, but network speed deteriorates due to additional routing path
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between shared and dedicated connection paths based on performance requirements and system state. When high-speed communication is needed and the computing module is available, the controller establishes a direct dedicated connection, bypassing the computing module to minimize latency and maximize throughput
3Use of energy by moving object
If the server system is powered off, then energy consumption is reduced, but network access is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power management and network access functions by introducing an external management controller that can remain powered on independently of the main server system. This external controller maintains network connectivity and can perform management functions even when the primary server is powered off, separating the always-on network access function from the main system power cycle
Solution Approach 2:
An external management controller acts as an intermediary between the powered-off server system and the network. This intermediary controller can receive and process network communications, perform management tasks, and maintain system state information even when the primary server is off, bridging the gap between power savings and network availability
Data Source
AI summary
A controller in a server system can determine whether to share a network connection of the server system. In response to determining to share the network connection, the controller can disable a dedicated network connection between the controller and a network interface controller (NIC) in the server system, enable a first shared network connection between the controller and a computing module in the server system, and enable a second shared network connection between the computing module and the NIC. In response to determining not to share the network connection, the controller can enable the dedicated network connection between the controller and the NIC.