Network Device Registration Using Unique Identifier and Switch Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately registering new devices within a network, particularly when devices have multiple network interface cards (NICs) with different MAC addresses, leading to complex and time-consuming configuration processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of a unique identifier assigned to each device, which is transmitted to switches upon initialization, allows switches to create unique ID tables mapping the identifier to MAC addresses across multiple ports, enabling switches to register devices with a management system without individual NIC communication, simplifying the initial setup and improving user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual NIC communication is used for device registration, then each network interface card can be identified and configured, but the registration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device identification process by introducing a unique device identifier that is separate from individual NIC MAC addresses. This unique identifier acts as a parent identifier that groups multiple NICs under a single device, allowing the system to first identify the device as a whole and then subsequently identify individual NICs if needed. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing accurate device-level identification without requiring immediate complex NIC-by-NIC registration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having switches create unique ID tables that map device identifiers to MAC addresses before the management NIC is fully online. This pre-mapping allows the management system to verify device installation and begin the registration process earlier, reducing overall registration time while maintaining accurate identification. The switches perform this mapping in advance, so when the management NIC becomes available, the device is already partially registered.
2Loss of information
If multiple IP queries are performed to identify all NICs of a device, then complete device information can be obtained, but the registration process efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces switches as intermediaries that maintain unique ID tables mapping device identifiers to MAC addresses. Instead of the management system performing multiple IP queries to discover all NICs, the switches act as intermediaries that have already performed this mapping and can provide complete device information in response to a single unique ID query. This intermediary approach preserves complete device information while dramatically improving registration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the device-NIC relationship information in the switch's unique ID table. Rather than querying the actual device multiple times to discover all NICs, the system queries the switch's pre-existing copy of this information. This copying mechanism allows the management system to obtain complete device information from a single query to the switch, maintaining information completeness while improving efficiency.
3Reliability
If device registration waits for management NIC to be fully online, then proper verification can be performed, but the initial turn-on process is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary installation verification by having switches create unique ID tables that map device identifiers to MAC addresses before the management NIC is fully online. This preliminary action allows the system to verify that the device is physically installed and connected to the network through its non-management NICs, reducing the overall turn-on time while maintaining verification reliability. The management NIC does not need to be online for this initial verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the verification process into two phases: initial verification using non-management NICs through unique ID mapping, and subsequent verification using the management NIC. This segmentation allows the system to perform basic installation verification immediately without waiting for the management NIC, improving turn-on time while maintaining reliability through the two-phase approach.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system includes a server having a management system module. The management system module broadcasts an address resolution protocol request including a unique identifier in the information handling system. The management system module also receives multiple address resolution protocol responses to the address resolution protocol request. Each of the multiple address resolution protocol responses includes a different media access control address associated with the unique identifier. The management system module also creates a unique identifier table correlating each of the media access control addresses with the unique identifier.