Data transfer in multi-node computer system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for transferring data from an intra-node firmware to an inter-nodes firmware in a multi-node computer system, the intra-node firmware coupled to the inter-nodes firmware through a direct channel, the intra-node firmware having a control module and a data module, the method comprising:
- sending a first data to the data module by the intra-node firmware;
sending a first data transfer command to the control module by the intra-node firmware, the first data transfer command enabling the first data to be transferred to the inter-nodes firmware;
reading the first data transfer command from the control module by the inter-nodes firmware;
reading the first data from the data module by the inter-nodes firmware in response to the first data transfer command;
writing a first data transfer status code into the control module by the inter-nodes firmware in response to completion of reading the first data from the data module;
reading the first data transfer status code from the control module by the intra-node firmware; and
determining whether to continue the data transfer in response to the first data transfer status code.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system transfers data between intra-node firmware and inter-nodes firmware in a multi-node computer system using reduced hardware resources. A set of control codes and data transfer functions are provided to enable data communications between computer nodes and inter-nodes controller through a one-byte control module and a one-byte data module.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A method for transferring data from an intra-node firmware to an inter-nodes firmware in a multi-node computer system, the intra-node firmware coupled to the inter-nodes firmware through a direct channel, the intra-node firmware having a control module and a data module, the method comprising:
-
sending a first data to the data module by the intra-node firmware;
sending a first data transfer command to the control module by the intra-node firmware, the first data transfer command enabling the first data to be transferred to the inter-nodes firmware;
reading the first data transfer command from the control module by the inter-nodes firmware;
reading the first data from the data module by the inter-nodes firmware in response to the first data transfer command;
writing a first data transfer status code into the control module by the inter-nodes firmware in response to completion of reading the first data from the data module;
reading the first data transfer status code from the control module by the intra-node firmware; and
determining whether to continue the data transfer in response to the first data transfer status code. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 15)
-
-
9. A method for receiving data by an intra-node firmware from an inter-nodes firmware in a multi-node computer system, the intra-node firmware coupled to the inter-nodes firmware through a direct channel, the intra-node firmware having a control module and a data module, the method comprising:
-
writing a first data transfer command into the control module by the intra-nodes firmware;
reading the first data transfer command from the control module by the inter-nodes firmware;
writing a first data into the data module by the inter-nodes firmware in response to the first data transfer command;
writing a first data transfer status code into the control module in response to writing the first data into the data module; and
determining whether to continue the data transfer in response to reading the first data transfer status code. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
16. A multi-node computer system, comprising:
-
an inter-nodes firmware for managing the operation of the multi-node computer system; and
a plurality of intra-node firmware, each comprising a one-byte data module and a one-byte control module for enabling a prioritized data transfer routine to operate through the data module and the control module, wherein the prioritized data transfer routine is operative to communicate with the inter-nodes firmware.
-
-
17. A method for transferring data from an intra-node firmware to an inter-nodes firmware in a multi-node computer system, the intra-node firmware coupled to the inter-nodes firmware through a direct channel, the intra-node firmware having a control module and a data module, the method comprising the steps of:
-
sending a first data to the data module;
sending a first data transfer command to the control module for enabling the first data to be transferred to the inter-nodes firmware;
monitoring whether the control module receives a first data transfer status code corresponding to the status of performing the first data transfer command by the inter-nodes firmware; and
determining whether to continue the data transfer in response to receiving the first data transfer status code.
-
-
18. A method for receiving data by an intra-node firmware from an inter-nodes firmware in a multi-node computer system, the intra-node firmware coupled to the inter-nodes firmware through a direct channel, the intra-node firmware having a control module and a data module, the method comprising:
-
writing a first data transfer command into the control module for enabling the inter-nodes firmware to send data to the data module in response to the first data transfer command;
monitoring whether the control module receives a first data transfer status code corresponding to the status of performing the first data transfer command by the inter-nodes firmware; and
determining whether to continue the data transfer in response to the first data transfer status code.
-
-
19. A computer readable medium containing a computer program for enabling communication between intra-node firmware and inter-nodes firmware in a multi-node computer system, the intra-node firmware comprising a data module and a control module, said computer program, when executed by the intra-node firmware, causing the intra-node firmware to perform the steps of:
-
sending a first data to the data module;
sending a first data transfer command to the control module for enabling the first data to be transferred to the inter-nodes firmware;
monitoring whether the control module receives a first data transfer status code corresponding to the status of performing the first data transfer command by the inter-nodes firmware; and
determining whether to continue the data transfer in response to receiving the first data transfer status code.
-
-
20. A computer readable medium containing a computer program for enabling communication between intra-node firmware and inter-nodes firmware in a multi-node computer system, the intra-node firmware comprising a data module and a control module, said computer program, when executed by the intra-node firmware, causing the intra-node firmware to perform the steps of:
-
writing a first data transfer command into the control module for enabling the inter-nodes firmware to send data to the data module in response to the first data transfer command;
monitoring whether the control module receives a first data transfer status code corresponding to the status of performing the first data transfer command by the inter-nodes firmware; and
determining whether to continue the data transfer in response to the first data transfer status code.
-
Specification