Single Option ROM for Converged Network Adapter Boot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems face challenges in efficiently booting and configuring with Converged Network Adapters (CNAs) due to the need for multiple ROM images and increased memory footprint, which complicates the process and requires additional updates.
Innovation Solution
A single option ROM image is used to support all protocols and boot options for the CNA, eliminating the need for multiple ROM images and reducing memory usage by providing a unified boot solution that includes PXE, FCoE, and iSCSI functionality, allowing the system BIOS to read and configure the CNA card efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ROM images are used to support different protocols and boot options for CNA, then protocol support and boot options are comprehensive, but memory footprint increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate ROM images (PXE ROM, FCoE ROM, iSCSI ROM) into a single unified option ROM that supports all protocols and boot options. This single ROM image contains integrated code for PXE boot, FCoE boot, and iSCSI boot functionalities, eliminating the need for multiple separate images and reducing the overall memory footprint while maintaining comprehensive protocol support.
Solution Approach 2:
The option ROM is designed as a universal multi-functional component that can handle multiple protocols (PXE, FCoE, iSCSI) and multiple boot options within a single image. The ROM contains universal code structures and data formats that enable it to serve multiple purposes across different protocol requirements, making the system more adaptable without proportionally increasing memory usage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ROM images are used for different protocols, then all boot solutions are supported, but device complexity and update requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protocol-specific ROM images into a single integrated option ROM that handles PXE, FCoE, and iSCSI boot options. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components the system must manage, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining support for all boot solutions through unified code structures and common data formats.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ROM images are used, then comprehensive protocol support is achieved, but the number of updates required increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple protocol support into a single option ROM image, the patent enables unified update management. Instead of needing to separately update PXE ROM, FCoE ROM, and iSCSI ROM images, system administrators can update a single consolidated image that contains all protocol support code, significantly reducing the time and effort required for maintenance and updates while maintaining comprehensive protocol support.
Data Source
AI summary
A converged network adapter card utilizes a single option ROM to support configuring and booting the protocols of the multifunction converged network adapter. In one embodiment the single option ROM stores a sequence of images to: 1) support configuring and booting the network interface card (NIC) and storage protocols supported by the converged network adapter card and 2) support all of the boot solutions for the converged network adapter card.