Systems and methods for performing a hot input function
First Claim
1. A method of reducing server downtime in a server network that manages data, the server network comprising one or more interfaces configured to receive at least one peripheral component, the server network including a graphical user interface that indicates at least whether a selected interface in the server network is configured to support a hot swap function, the method comprising:
- displaying to a user, using the graphical user interface, status information for at least one peripheral component for the server network;
transmitting one or more instructions from the graphical user interface to the server network that allows the user to perform a series of steps necessary to execute the hot swap function, at least a portion of said one or more instructions being utilized by a hardware module to control power to the selected interface; and
performing, by the user, the series of steps necessary to execute the hot swap function;
wherein said acts of displaying, transmitting and performing reduce server downtime in the server network.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A computer software system is disclosed for facilitating a user'"'"'s replacement or insertion of devices in a computer server network system. The system allows a user to swap or add peripheral devices while the system is running, or in a “hot” condition, with little or no user knowledge of how the system carries out the “hot swap” or “hot add” functions. The system, which consists of a graphical user interface (GUI) and associated computer software modules, allows the user to select a desired peripheral device location within a server, and then provides the modular software structure to automatically execute a series of steps in the hot swap or hot add process. Each step is prompted by the user from the GUI, to invoke commands to instruct a network server through its operating system and hardware to suspend the appropriate device adapters, if necessary, power down the desired device slot or canister, allow the user to replace or insert a new device, and finally restart the adapters and the slot power. The system requires very little detailed input from the user other than identifying the particular peripheral device slot within the server to be maintained.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of reducing server downtime in a server network that manages data, the server network comprising one or more interfaces configured to receive at least one peripheral component, the server network including a graphical user interface that indicates at least whether a selected interface in the server network is configured to support a hot swap function, the method comprising:
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displaying to a user, using the graphical user interface, status information for at least one peripheral component for the server network; transmitting one or more instructions from the graphical user interface to the server network that allows the user to perform a series of steps necessary to execute the hot swap function, at least a portion of said one or more instructions being utilized by a hardware module to control power to the selected interface; and performing, by the user, the series of steps necessary to execute the hot swap function; wherein said acts of displaying, transmitting and performing reduce server downtime in the server network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of reducing server downtime in a server network that manages data, the server network comprising one or more receptacles configured to receive at least one peripheral component, the server network including a graphical user interface for a user that indicates whether a selected receptacle in the server network is configured to support a hot swap function, the method comprising:
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prompting the user to select one of a plurality of peripheral components via the graphical user interface; selecting one of a plurality of peripheral components via the graphical user interface; prompting the user to suspend operations to the selected peripheral component; selecting a suspend command for the selected peripheral component; and displaying to the user a confirmation that operations to the selected peripheral component has been suspended; wherein said acts of prompting and selecting reduce server downtime in the server network by enabling the execution of the hot swap function without shutting down a server associated with the selected peripheral component. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of reducing server downtime in a server network that manages data, the server network comprising one or more slots configured to receive at least one peripheral component, the server network including a graphical user interface for a user that indicates whether a selected slot in the server network is configured to support a hot swap function, the method comprising:
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initiating a first command from the graphical user interface to suspend operation of the selected slot, the operation of the selected slot controlled in part by a hardware module; removing a first peripheral component from the selected slot; inserting a second peripheral component into the selected slot; and resuming operation at the selected slot via the initiation of a second command from the graphical user interface; wherein said acts of initiating, removing, inserting and resuming cooperate to reduce server downtime in the server network at least by enabling the execution of the hot swap function without shutting down a server associated with the first and second peripheral components. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification