Storage Resource Firmware Reload via OS Command
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges in effectively resetting failing storage resources, particularly in scenarios where power cycling is not supported, leading to performance degradation and potential hardware failures.
Innovation Solution
An information handling system that includes a processor, a storage resource, and an operating system configured to reload firmware code of the storage resource when performance degradation or failure predictors are detected, and determines whether the issue persists after reloading, performing a responsive action accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power cycling is used to reset storage resource, then firmware-related performance issues are resolved, but the system complexity increases and not all systems support this method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/power-based reset method (power cycling) with a software-based firmware reloading mechanism. The operating system sends commands through the storage controller to reload firmware without requiring power cycle, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the operating system communicates with the storage resource through the storage controller to facilitate firmware reloading. This intermediary approach allows firmware reset without direct power manipulation, reducing system complexity.
2Reliability
If storage resource is replaced immediately upon failure predictor, then system reliability is maintained, but hardware waste increases and replacement cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting failure predictors (degraded performance, I/O errors) before actual failure occurs and proactively reloading the firmware. This preventive measure can restore the storage resource to working condition, avoiding unnecessary replacement and reducing hardware waste while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the operating system continuously monitors storage resource performance metrics (I/O errors, performance degradation) and triggers firmware reloading when failure predictors are detected. This closed-loop feedback prevents premature replacement by addressing issues before they lead to failure.
3Ease of operation
If firmware is reloaded through operating system command, then power cycling is avoided, but the capability is limited to systems with OS support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by implementing a standardized approach where the operating system uses existing storage controller interfaces and commands to reload firmware. This method leverages existing system components and protocols, making it broadly applicable across different system types without requiring specialized hardware support.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include, in an operating system of an information handling system: responsive to a determination that a storage resource of the information handling system is experiencing a predictor of a failure of the storage resource, issuing a command to the storage resource to reload firmware code of the storage resource; responsive to the storage resource reloading the firmware code and reset of the storage resource following reloading of the firmware code, determining whether the predictor persists; and responsive to determining whether the predictor persists, performing a responsive action.