Wireless Management Module for Powered-Off Server Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling systems lack efficient methods for provisioning and inventorying powered-off servers in data centers, particularly in terms of remote configuration and management, which hinders pre-deployment settings and inventory tracking.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless management system within server racks that includes a wireless management module and a battery-powered communication mode, allowing for remote provisioning and inventorying through wireless connections using mobile devices or USB connections, even when the servers are powered off, utilizing a battery and power manager to enable communication and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If servers are powered off for storage and transport, then energy consumption is reduced and hardware is protected, but remote provisioning and inventory tracking become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the server into two functional parts: the main server hardware (powered off for energy savings) and the wireless management module (powered on via battery for communication). This segmentation allows the server to remain powered off while still enabling remote provisioning through the independent wireless module.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless management module performs provisioning and inventory actions before the server is fully deployed and powered on. Configuration, authentication, and inventory tracking are completed in advance while the server remains powered off, eliminating the need for post-deployment configuration.
2Productivity
If physical access is required for server provisioning, then security is simplified, but deployment efficiency and remote management capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless management module acts as an intermediary between the remote provisioning system and the server hardware. It receives provisioning instructions, performs authentication, and configures the server remotely without requiring physical access, thus improving deployment efficiency while managing security through controlled wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The server system performs self-provisioning through the wireless management module, which automatically receives configuration, authentication, and inventory tracking without human intervention. This automated self-service capability improves deployment efficiency while the modular design manages system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication modules are always powered on, then remote connectivity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless management module dynamically transitions between powered-off and powered-on states. It activates only when provisioning or communication is needed, and remains powered off during storage and transport, thus maintaining remote connectivity capability while minimizing energy consumption based on operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A crate for shipping an information handling system includes a first side comprising an electro-magnetic protective material. The electro-magnetic protective material inhibits electro-magnetic intrusions into the information handling. The crate also includes a second side comprising a first portion comprising the electro-magnetic protective material, and a second portion devoid of the electro-magnetic protective material. The second portion passes a wireless electro-magnetic signal to the information handling system.