Service Processor Out-of-Band BIOS Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to configure BIOS settings without entering the management mode, particularly for remote configuration of BIOS setting data without interrupting the operation of a host computer.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for out-of-band configuring BIOS setting data, which includes a host computer with a BIOS chip, a service processor connected via an interface, and a remote management computer. The service processor receives connection requests, retrieves and transmits BIOS setting data, and updates the BIOS chip with new settings via a network connection, allowing remote configuration without interrupting the host computer's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If BIOS settings are configured through traditional management mode, then BIOS settings can be updated, but the host computer operation must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service processor as an intermediary component between the host computer and the BIOS configuration interface. The service processor maintains a local copy of BIOS setting data and allows remote configuration through network connections without requiring access to the host computer's management mode or interrupting its operation. This mediator enables independent BIOS configuration while the host system continues running normally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote BIOS configuration is enabled without service processor, then system complexity remains low, but remote access capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the BIOS configuration functionality into a separate service processor that operates independently from the host computer. This segmentation allows the service processor to handle remote configuration requests through network interfaces while the host computer focuses on its primary computing tasks. The separation enables remote adaptability without significantly increasing the complexity of either component, as each operates autonomously in its own domain.
3Adaptability or versatility
If BIOS settings are updated remotely, then configuration flexibility improves, but data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service processor maintains a local copy (second BIOSSD collection) of the BIOS setting data in its non-volatile memory before any remote configuration is needed. This preliminary action allows the service processor to immediately process remote configuration requests by modifying its local copy and transmitting only the specific changes or updated portions to the host computer, rather than requiring complete BIOS data transmissions. This reduces the quantity of data that needs to be transmitted over the network while maintaining full configuration flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
In certain aspects, a system for out-of-band configuring BIOS setting data (BIOSSD) includes a host computer and a service processor (SP). The SP stores a BIOSSD collection and a human interface data (HID) collection. The HID collection includes questions for data of the BIOSSD collection and corresponding options for each question. When a remote management computer sends to the SP an information request, the SP retrieves the HID collection and transmits the questions and the corresponding options to the remote management computer. In response to a command indicating a selected corresponding option, the SP changes corresponding data of the BIOSSD collection according to the command. When the BIOS executed at the host computer issues a BIOSSD update request to the SP, the SP transmits a copy of the BIOSSD collection to the BIOS chip of the host computer to replace the BIOSSD collection stored in the BIOS chip.