Server Management Network via Limited Layer Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server management systems face downtime when a dedicated port malfunctions, requiring manual repair or reboot to regain access to the server management chip, disrupting remote server management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A server management network is established using a limited layer network device that connects multiple network interface controllers (NICs) to the server management chip, enabling multi-path access through non-dedicated ports, ensuring continuous access even if the dedicated port fails, by isolating and routing server management traffic through a designated path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated port is used to access the server management chip, then access reliability is improved, but system complexity increases and downtime occurs when the port malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes non-dedicated ports capable of serving dual purposes: handling regular network traffic and providing backup access to the server management chip. This multi-functionality allows the system to use existing infrastructure for redundancy without adding dedicated backup ports, thereby improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network device as an intermediary that establishes a network path between remote computing devices and the server management chip through non-dedicated ports. This mediator enables indirect access routes, providing alternative communication paths when the dedicated port fails, thus improving reliability without requiring direct dedicated connections from all devices.
2Reliability
If manual repair or reboot is required when the dedicated port malfunctions, then access to the server management chip is restored, but loss of time occurs during the repair process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures network paths and establishes routing rules before the dedicated port fails. The network device is预先 set up with knowledge of alternative access routes through non-dedicated ports. When failure occurs, the switch is already in place, allowing immediate rerouting of traffic without manual intervention or reboot, thus eliminating downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic failover capability where the network device autonomously detects dedicated port failures and switches to using non-dedicated ports for management access. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual repair actions or system reboots, allowing the system to restore access automatically and immediately upon failure detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and logic are provided for providing a server management network internal to a computing device. Providing a server management network internal to a computing device can include connecting each of a plurality of network interface controllers (NICs) in the computing device to a limited layer network device in the computing device via mutually isolated connections. Furthermore, providing a server management network internal to a computing device can include connecting the limited layer network device to a server management chip in the computing device via a connection isolated from the NICs.