Out-of-band Service Processor Driver Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face inefficiencies and security concerns when obtaining and updating device drivers, particularly due to reliance on in-band networks that may be burdened with traffic or lack sufficient security, and require physical media or system restarts for installation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a service processor connected to an out-of-band management network that automatically downloads and installs device drivers from a cloud-based update supplier, allowing for secure and efficient updates without system shutdown, using virtual devices and non-volatile memory to expose drivers to the operating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If device drivers are obtained through in-band networks, then installation can be performed, but network traffic burden increases and security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an out-of-band management network as an intermediary channel for device driver transmission. This separate communication path isolates driver update traffic from the production network, reducing network burden and security risks. The management network acts as a mediator that enables safe driver delivery without compromising the integrity of the primary network infrastructure.
2Reliability
If device drivers are installed using traditional methods, then drivers can be updated, but system restart is required causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by downloading and staging device drivers in advance through the out-of-band management network before they are needed. Drivers are prepared and stored in a ready-to-install state, allowing the system to apply updates immediately without requiring restart for the download process. This pre-positioning of update resources eliminates downtime associated with driver acquisition.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If physical media is used for driver installation, then security is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical media handling with an electronic transmission system. Instead of requiring physical CDs, USB drives, or other tangible media to be manually inserted and processed, the system uses automated electronic delivery of device drivers through the out-of-band management network. This substitution maintains security controls while eliminating the complexity and time associated with physical media management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes a service processor of an information handling system downloading code, including device drivers, and transferring the code to an operating system of the information handling system without rebooting the operating system. In some embodiments, a daemon of the operating system may request device drivers for newly-inserted devices and the service processor may make the device drivers available to the operating system in response to the requests. In some embodiments, the service processor may download updated device drivers and may inform the daemon. The updated device drivers may be automatically provided to the operating system or made available upon a request of a user. The service processor may make code available to the operating system by exposing a portion of its non-volatile memory to the operating system as a virtual device.