Input/output communication networks and booting protocols
US6691160B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/329
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods for booting a computer from logically remote end nodes are provided. In one example, after a computer is powered up, a method validates end nodes that are logically remote from the computer. The method then communicates with a validated end node. The method determines what peripheral devices are attached to the validated end node and ascertains what boot images are available on the peripheral devices. A selection of a boot image from the peripheral device can then be made and the method proceeds to boot the computer. The booting process of the computer does not use a native BIOS/ROM of the computer, thus enabling the booting from any operating system, without regard to the type of hardware associated with the native BIOS/ROM. Further, the described methods enable booting from the storage of any end node on a network fabric.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.