Server OS and Management Controller Mapping via Identification Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional server management systems require manual setup and management of mapping relationships between operating systems and management controllers, which is time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially when managing large numbers of servers.

Innovation Solution

A remote management system that automatically searches and maps information of operating systems and management controllers by obtaining identification data from hardware components, using both in-band and out-of-band management models, and storing this data during the server's POST procedure, allowing for automated association between management controllers and operating systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual mapping setup is used between operating systems and management controllers, then users can establish the mapping relationship, but it is time-consuming and resource-intensive when managing large numbers of servers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual mapping setupVSAvoidtime for setting up and managing server information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-mapping between operating systems and management controllers by having both components report their identification data to the remote management console. The console then automatically performs the mapping based on matching identification data, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing setup time and resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If agent software is deployed in target servers, then remote management console can obtain sensor data and system information, but compatibility issues between agent software and operating systems arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobtaining sensor data and system informationVSAvoidcompatibility between agent software and operating system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the identification data collection function from the agent software and places it directly in the operating system and management controller. By having the OS and MC report their own identification data natively, the system eliminates the need for agent software deployment, thereby avoiding compatibility issues while maintaining the ability to obtain necessary system information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If no agent software is deployed, then system resources are saved and compatibility issues are avoided, but operating systems and management controllers cannot be automatically associated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility and resource efficiencyVSAvoidautomatic association between OS and management controller
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic association through a feedback mechanism where both the operating system and management controller report their identification data to the remote management console. The console uses this feedback information to automatically establish the mapping relationship, achieving automation without requiring agent software deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of information

If information of operating systems and management controllers is searched manually, then complete information can be obtained, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming when managing large amounts of servers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of OS and MC informationVSAvoidefficiency of managing server information
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by having the operating system and management controller proactively report their identification data to the remote management console before any mapping is needed. This advance preparation eliminates the need for manual information gathering and significantly improves productivity when managing large numbers of servers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2472402B1Remote management systems and methods for mapping operating system and management controller located in a server
Publication Date: 2013.07.10 ACER INC
  • EP2472402B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2472402B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2472402B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Remote management systems and methods for servers are provided. The system includes at least one server and a remote management console. The server has an operating system, and includes at least one hardware component and a management controller, wherein the management controller obtains the identification data corresponding to the hardware component. The remote management console searches information of the operating system and the management controller via a network. The remote management console obtains the identification data of the hardware component from the operating system, and obtains the identification data of the hardware component from the management controller. The remote management console maps the operating system and the management controller based on the identification data respectively obtained from the operating system and the management controller.