Integrated network and management controller
First Claim
1. An integrated network and management controller for use in monitoring operations associated with a computer system, the network and management controller comprising:
- means for performing network based functions; and
means for performing management functions associated with the computer system, wherein the means for performing network based functions and the means for performing management functions are integrated into a single device;
wherein the means for performing network based functions is configured to determine whether data received over a network is intended for consumption by the network and management controller or for consumption by an operating system based on one of a MAC address allocated to the means for performing management functions and a port number at which the data is received,wherein the means for performing management functions is configured to send commands to and receive operational information from one or more components of the computer system accessible via a system interface communicatively connected to the network and management controller, the components being separate and apart from the single device,analyze the operational information received to determine whether an event is occurring, wherein the event is occurring when the operational information includes sensed parameters of the components that are outside of an expected or recommended range, andbased on a determination that an event is occurring, issue an alert that an event is occurring and control operation of at least one of the components.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An integrated network and management controller and method for operating are disclosed. The network and management controller includes a network processing component that performs network-based functions and filters management data received over a network intended for consumption by the network and management controller. The network and management controller also includes a microcontroller that performs network based functions in conjunction with the network processing component and performs management functions associated with the computer system. The network processing component and the microcontroller are embedded in the network and management controller and are logically connected.
46 Citations
23 Claims
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1. An integrated network and management controller for use in monitoring operations associated with a computer system, the network and management controller comprising:
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means for performing network based functions; and means for performing management functions associated with the computer system, wherein the means for performing network based functions and the means for performing management functions are integrated into a single device; wherein the means for performing network based functions is configured to determine whether data received over a network is intended for consumption by the network and management controller or for consumption by an operating system based on one of a MAC address allocated to the means for performing management functions and a port number at which the data is received, wherein the means for performing management functions is configured to send commands to and receive operational information from one or more components of the computer system accessible via a system interface communicatively connected to the network and management controller, the components being separate and apart from the single device, analyze the operational information received to determine whether an event is occurring, wherein the event is occurring when the operational information includes sensed parameters of the components that are outside of an expected or recommended range, and based on a determination that an event is occurring, issue an alert that an event is occurring and control operation of at least one of the components. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for performing network based functions and management functions within a computer system, the apparatus comprising:
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a network controller including a network processing component and a microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller is embedded within the network controller, the microcontroller configured to execute management firmware for use in performing management functions, perform network based functions in conjunction with the network processing component embedded in the network controller, wherein the network based functions include determining whether data received over a network is intended for consumption by the network controller or for consumption by an operating system based on one of a MAC address allocated to a means for performing management functions and a port number at which the data is received, communicate with components of the computer system via a system interface the components separate and apart from the network controller, receive management data filtered from the network processing component, and respond to the management data received; wherein the components comprise a sensor aggregation component coupled to a plurality of sensors, the sensors configured to sense operating and performance-related parameters associated with the computer system and wherein the microcontroller is further configured to send commands to and receive operational information from the components of the computer system accessible via the system interface, analyze the operational information received to determine whether an event is occurring, wherein the event is occurring when the operational information includes sensed parameters of the components that are outside of an expected or recommended range, and based on a determination that an event is occurring, issue an alert that an event is occurring and control operation of at least one of the components. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for operating an integrated network and management controller within a computer system, the method comprising:
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establishing a communications path for management data received over a network; receiving the management data over the network at a network processing component of the controller; in response to receiving the management data, determining whether the management data is intended for consumption by the network and management controller or for consumption by an operating system of the computer system based on one of a MAC address allocated to a means for performing management functions and a port number at which the data is received; in response to determining the management data is intended for consumption by the network and management controller, passing the management data from the network processing component to a microcontroller integrated onto the network and management controller via the communications path; in response to determining the management data is intended for consumption by the operating system, passing the management data from the network processing component to the operating system; monitoring and analyzing parameters of the computer system based on the management data passed to the microcontroller; sending a response over the network to a requesting entity or a reporting entity based on analyzing the monitored parameters; determining whether at least one of the monitored parameters exceeds a threshold; and in response to determining that at least one of the monitored parameters exceeds the threshold, triggering an operation of one or more components of the computer system. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for operating an integrated network and management controller of a computer system, the method comprising:
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executing management firmware within a microcontroller embedded within the network and management controller for use in performing management functions for the computer system; receiving management data at the microcontroller; in response to receiving the management data, determining whether the management data is intended for consumption by the network and management controller or for consumption by an operating system of the computer system based on one of a MAC address allocated to a means for performing management functions and a port number at which the data is received; executing a monitoring cycle that monitors parameters of computer system components; updating monitored parameters; determining whether a parameter is monitored outside of a designated limit; and in response to the parameter being monitored outside of a designated limit, issuing over a network from the microcontroller an alert that an event is occurring and controlling, from the microcontroller, operation of at least one component within the computer system based on the parameter being monitored outside of the designated limit. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification