Server PXE Port Configuration Without BIOS Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for disabling the preboot execution environment (PXE) function of network card ports are complex and inconvenient, requiring system power-on and BIOS setup, and cannot be customized to meet client requirements, especially in scenarios involving multiple network cards or changes in hardware configuration.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for self-adaptive supporting of the PXE function that traverses network card devices, selects target devices and ports based on customization requirements, and compiles these requirements into a BIOS ROM to enable/disable the PXE function efficiently, using an on-demand ROM driver file.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the PXE function is disabled through BIOS setup or shell scripts, then the PXE function can be controlled, but the setting procedure becomes complex and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring PXE enablement/disablement settings during the driver installation phase rather than requiring post-installation BIOS setup or shell script execution. The driver package includes configuration files that automatically set PXE states during installation, eliminating the need for complex post-installation configuration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the driver installation process to automatically configure PXE settings without requiring user intervention in BIOS or execution of shell scripts. The driver package contains embedded configuration instructions that the system applies automatically during installation, making the process self-contained and simplifying user operations.
2Reliability
If the PXE function is disabled through BIOS setup or shell scripts, then the PXE function can be controlled, but customization for different clients is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different PXE configurations for different network card ports and different client scenarios within the same system. The driver package includes configuration files that can specify port-specific PXE enablement/disablement settings, allowing customized configurations for different clients without requiring system-wide changes or multiple driver versions.
3Reliability
If the PXE function is disabled through BIOS setup, then the PXE function can be controlled, but system restart is required which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing PXE configuration during the driver installation phase before the system is fully operational. This eliminates the need for post-installation BIOS setup and system restarts, as all configurations are applied and take effect immediately during the installation process, thereby maintaining productivity.
4Reliability
If the PXE function is disabled through shell scripts, then the PXE function can be controlled, but the process is inconvenient and requires OS booting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by embedding PXE configuration capabilities directly in the driver installation package. The configuration files within the driver package automatically apply PXE settings during installation without requiring the system to boot into an operating system or execute separate shell scripts, making the process more convenient and self-contained.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the technical field of computers. Disclosed are a server preboot function self-adaptive supporting method and apparatus. The method includes: when target indication information is acquired, traversing network card devices in a network card device library, where the target indication information is configured for representing that a target object has a customization requirement on enabling/disabling of a preboot execution environment function; selecting, from the network card devices, a target network card device corresponding to the customization requirement, and a target port of the target network card device; enabling the preboot execution environment function of the target port, and disabling the preboot execution environment function of a reference port other than the target port in the target network card; and compiling the customization requirement into a version file and burning the version file into a read-only memory of a basic input/output system.