Server Location Tracking via Switch MAC Address Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Administrators face difficulties in locating specific servers within server cabinets in data centers, as existing solutions require purchasing additional modules to access server location information.

Innovation Solution

A server management system that communicates with switches and internal switches within server cabinets to collect and display MAC addresses and location information, utilizing a device with a storage unit, processor, communication unit, input unit, and display unit to generate lists and graphical interfaces for easy server location identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a rack manager module is deployed to network servers and provide location information, then server location information becomes accessible, but additional cost is incurred requiring purchase of the module

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserver location information accessibilityVSAvoidadditional module purchase cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses existing network infrastructure (switches) to automatically collect and provide server location information without requiring additional purchased modules. The switch leverages its existing MAC address table and network knowledge to self-serve the location query function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The existing switch is made multi-functional by enabling it to not only perform its traditional network switching function but also to store and provide server location information through the MAC address table, eliminating the need for dedicated rack manager modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If traditional server management methods are used without integrated location tracking, then device complexity is reduced, but difficulty in locating specific servers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserver location identificationVSAvoidmanagement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The MAC address table in the switch acts as an intermediary that naturally maps server identifiers (MAC addresses) to their physical locations (port/cabinet information). This intermediary structure enables easy location lookup without adding complex tracking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-captures server location information when servers are initially connected to the network, storing the MAC address to location mapping in the switch's MAC address table before any location queries are made, enabling instant retrieval without real-time tracking complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11283689B2Method for managing multiple servers and device employing method

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 FULIAN PRESION ELECTRONICS (TIANJIN) CO LTD

AI summary

A method for managing of managing a server center comprising: obtaining, from the switch, a MAC address and location information of each of the servers connected to the switch, and generating a first list; obtaining a MAC addresses and an IP address of each of the servers from the server center by using an IPMI command, and generating a second list; generating a third list based on the first list and the second list; obtaining a MAC address or an IP address of a server to be queried; and comparing the MAC address or the IP address of the server to be queried and the third list, and obtaining the location information of the server to be queried. A server center managing device and a non-transitory storage medium are also provided.