Server Node Power Management via Network Packet
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing blade server systems require a baseboard management controller (BMC) for remote power management, leading to increased costs due to the necessity of a remote-end management server.
Innovation Solution
A server cluster with a network switch and server nodes, each equipped with a network port, network chip, and south bridge chip, uses a power-off packet to initiate a shutdown signal without relying on a BMC, employing a pulse delay circuit to manage the power-off process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a baseboard management controller (BMC) and remote-end management server are used for power management, then the server can be remotely controlled, but the cost of the blade server system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power management functionality from the traditional BMC architecture and implements it directly within the server node itself using existing components (network chip, south bridge chip). This eliminates the need for separate BMC hardware and remote management servers, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining remote power management capability through network packets.
Solution Approach 2:
The server node performs self-power management by processing power-off packets received through its network port. The network chip detects the packet and generates a power-off signal that is processed internally by the south bridge chip to shut down the server. This self-service mechanism eliminates dependency on external BMC infrastructure.
2Reliability
If a BMC is used for power management, then reliable control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power management functions previously handled by separate BMC components into the server node's existing hardware architecture. The network chip and south bridge chip, which are already present in the server node, are utilized to process power-off packets and control power state, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing network chip and south bridge chip are made multi-functional by enabling them to handle both network communication and power management tasks. This universal utilization of existing components eliminates the need for dedicated BMC hardware, reducing device complexity while preserving reliable power control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A server cluster including a network switch and multiple server nodes is provided. The network switch is connected to an external network. Each server node performs an operation system and respectively includes a network port, a network chip and a south bridge chip. The network port is connected to the network switch via a cable. The network chip outputs a power-off signal according to a received power-off packet after the network switch is started. The south bridge chip outputs a shutdown signal to shut down the server node according to the power-off signal when the server node is turned on and the operation system is working normally.