Virtual Media Command Filtering for Network Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of information across networks using virtual media in information handling systems is hindered by significant delays due to non-media access commands, such as the test unit ready command, which are numerous and time-consuming, especially in networked environments with congestion.
Innovation Solution
A media filter within the remote access controller intercepts and filters non-media access commands, generating simulated responses to reduce their transmission, and uses a timeout timer to periodically send test unit ready commands, thereby minimizing delays and improving data transfer rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-media access commands (such as TUR commands) are sent frequently to detect media changes in networked virtual media environments, then media change detection reliability is improved, but communication delay increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts non-media access commands (such as TUR commands) from the network communication stream and processes them locally at the remote access controller. By separating these commands from the main data transfer path and handling them locally without network round-trips, the system maintains reliable media change detection while eliminating the time-consuming network delays that would otherwise occur with each command.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual media communication is implemented over a network between distal devices, then remote management capability is improved, but communication speed deteriorates due to network congestion and command delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a media filter as an intermediary component within the remote access controller that intercepts and manages non-media access commands before they are transmitted over the network. This intermediary locally processes commands like TUR that would otherwise require network round-trips, thereby maintaining remote management functionality while significantly improving communication speed by reducing network dependency for routine operations.
3Reliability
If device drivers send multiple TUR commands between read commands to detect media changes, then data integrity is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to repeated network round-trips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the media filter to intercept and locally process non-media access commands before they are sent over the network. This preliminary setup allows the system to maintain data integrity through proper media change detection while avoiding the productivity loss that would result from repeated network round-trips, as the commands are resolved locally in advance of actual data transfer operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Virtual media device network communication is improved with a media filter that reduces unnecessary non-media access commands, such as test unit ready commands, that have an enhanced impact on data transfer rates when media devices communicate over a network. The media filter withholds communication of selected non-media information by a remote access controller associated with a virtual media device and generates simulated responses to the withheld communication for return to the virtual media device. In one embodiment, predetermined non-media access commands are withheld from communication to a network unless a timeout timer is expired. The timeout timer is set for a time period that precludes a media change between timeout timer expirations and is reset with successful response to a command through the network.