Switch Apparatus for Remote Boot Sequence in Network Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for remote boot sequences in blade server technology either compromise on cKVM I/O card support or involve complex manufacturing processes, failing to provide a cost-effective and functionally complete remote boot solution.
Innovation Solution
A switch apparatus that selectively connects to either a first or second storage element based on the presence of a pluggable unit, using a detect and switch circuit with transistors and an inverter to execute the appropriate boot code, allowing for a seamless remote boot sequence in network devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the manufacturer refreshes the boot code to UMP code when the cKVM I/O card is installed, then the cKVM I/O card support is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple boot code storage elements (first storage element with IPMI boot code, second storage element with UMP boot code) in the network device before deployment. The detect and switch circuit is pre-programmed to automatically detect the presence of cKVM I/O card and select the appropriate boot code without requiring post-manufacturing code refreshing, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detect and switch circuit as an intermediary component between the boot code storage elements and the processor. This intermediary automatically detects whether a pluggable unit (cKVM I/O card) is inserted and selectively connects the processor to the appropriate boot code storage element, eliminating the need for complex manufacturing processes while maintaining full adaptability to different card configurations
2Ease of manufacture
If the manufacturer uses IPMI boot code without cKVM I/O card support, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the cKVM I/O card functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the network device with multi-functional boot code storage capability. The device can store both IPMI boot code (in first storage element) and UMP boot code (in second storage element), allowing it to function with or without cKVM I/O card. The detect and switch circuit enables automatic selection between boot codes, making the device universally compatible with different configurations while maintaining simple manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the boot code selection dynamic rather than static. The detect and switch circuit continuously monitors the presence of pluggable units and dynamically switches between different boot code storage elements based on the detected configuration. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to maintain low manufacturing costs while gaining full cKVM I/O card functionality when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A switch apparatus for a remote boot sequence of a network device is disclosed. The network device may comprise a processor and a network control circuit. The switch apparatus may comprise a first storage element for storing a first boot code, a second storage element for storing a second boot code, and a detect and switch circuit electrically connected to the network control circuit. The detect and switch circuit may selectively connect to one of the first storage element and the second storage element in response to whether there is a detected signal of a pluggable unit inserted into said network device, so that the processor executes the remote boot sequence in accordance with the boot code stored in the selected storage element.