Abstract: A method includes a client device forming a link-layer protocol packet having a field that includes first credentials of the client device and sending the link-layer protocol packet to a directly attached network device while the client device is in a first configuration. The method further includes a management system obtaining the first credentials from the network device and using the first credentials to access the client device and change the client device from the first configuration to a second configuration. Optionally, a computer system may include a plurality of client devices that implement the method to facilitate securely configuring the entire computer system. Preferably, each client device generates system-unique first credentials.

Abstract: A method includes a client device forming a link-layer protocol packet having a field that includes first credentials of the client device and sending the link-layer protocol packet to a directly attached network device while the client device is in a first configuration. The method further includes a management system obtaining the first credentials from the network device and using the first credentials to access the client device and change the client device from the first configuration to a second configuration. Optionally, a computer system may include a plurality of client devices that implement the method to facilitate securely configuring the entire computer system. Preferably, each client device generates system-unique first credentials.

Abstract: A system contains one or more non-electronic components, each of which has a near field communication (NFC) identification chip attached thereon and/or associated therewith. A non-electronic component inventory controller identifies the non-electronic components in the system by interrogating the NFC identification chips with an NFC electromagnetic field that is emitted an NFC electromagnetic field emitter.

Abstract: Loading an operating system of a diskless compute node using a single Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) adapter, including: setting, by a VPI firmware module during startup of the compute node, an operational mode of the VPI adapter to operate in accordance with a first data communications protocol, the VPI adapter including a preboot execution environment module that supports the first data communications protocol prior to loading an operating system and a driver for the first data communications protocol; retrieving, by the VPI firmware module from a network source via the VPI adapter in accordance with the first data communications protocol, the operating system and a driver for the second data communications protocol; and responsive to loading the operating system and the driver for the second data communications protocol, switching the operational mode of the VPI adapter to operate in accordance with the second data communications protocol.

Abstract: Loading an operating system of a diskless compute node using a single Virtual Protocol Interconnect (‘VPI’) adapter, including: setting, by a VPI firmware module during startup of the compute node, an operational mode of the VPI adapter to operate in accordance with a first data communications protocol, the VPI adapter including a preboot execution environment module that supports the first data communications protocol prior to loading an operating system and a driver for the first data communications protocol; retrieving, by the VPI firmware module from a network source via the VPI adapter in accordance with the first data communications protocol, the operating system and a driver for the second data communications protocol; and responsive to loading the operating system and the driver for the second data communications protocol, switching the operational mode of the VPI adapter to operate in accordance with the second data communications protocol.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method identifies the path of a first power circuit to a first power supply that is connected to supply power to an electronic device, and identifies the path of a second power circuit to a second power supply that is connected to supply power to the electronic device. The method then compares the path of the first power distribution circuit with the path of the second power distribution circuit to determine a measure of redundancy in the first and second distribution paths. A measure of redundancy may then be output to a user.

Abstract: Loading an operating system of a diskless compute node using a single Virtual Protocol Interconnect (‘VPI’) adapter, including: setting, by a VPI firmware module during startup of the compute node, an operational mode of the VPI adapter to operate in accordance with a first data communications protocol, the VPI adapter including a preboot execution environment module that supports the first data communications protocol prior to loading an operating system and a driver for the first data communications protocol; retrieving, by the VPI firmware module from a network source via the VPI adapter in accordance with the first data communications protocol, the operating system and a driver for the second data communications protocol; and responsive to loading the operating system and the driver for the second data communications protocol, switching the operational mode of the VPI adapter to operate in accordance with the second data communications protocol.

Abstract: Loading an operating system of a diskless compute node using a single Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) adapter, including: setting, by a VPI firmware module during startup of the compute node, an operational mode of the VPI adapter to operate in accordance with a first data communications protocol, the VPI adapter including a preboot execution environment module that supports the first data communications protocol prior to loading an operating system and a driver for the first data communications protocol; retrieving, by the VPI firmware module from a network source via the VPI adapter in accordance with the first data communications protocol, the operating system and a driver for the second data communications protocol; and responsive to loading the operating system and the driver for the second data communications protocol, switching the operational mode of the VPI adapter to operate in accordance with the second data communications protocol.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method identifies the path of a first power circuit to a first power supply that is connected to supply power to an electronic device, and identifies the path of a second power circuit to a second power supply that is connected to supply power to the electronic device. The method then compares the path of the first power distribution circuit with the path of the second power distribution circuit to determine a measure of redundancy in the first and second distribution paths. A measure of redundancy may then be output to a user.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a dust filter includes applying a negative electrical potential to a first electrode in a first area of a dust filter and applying a positive electrical potential to a second electrode disposed in a second area of the dust filter, wherein a voltage differential between the first and second electrodes is sufficient to cause electrostatic movement of dust from the first area to the second area. Then, the method further includes applying a negative electrical potential to the second electrode and applying a positive electrical potential to a third electrode disposed in a third area of the dust filter, wherein a voltage differential between the second and third electrodes is sufficient to cause electrostatic movement of dust from the second area to the third area, and wherein the first, second and third areas are generally linearly arranged.

Abstract: A computer system includes a computer chassis housing a processor and having a dust filter disposed in an airflow pathway through the computer chassis. A plurality of electrodes is disposed across an area of the dust filter, and a voltage source is provided having a negative terminal and a positive terminal. A controller selectively couples a first subset of electrodes to the negative terminal and selectively couples a second subset of electrodes to the positive terminal, wherein a voltage differential between the first subset of electrodes and the second subset of electrodes is sufficient to cause electrostatic movement of dust from an area of the dust filter near the first subset of electrodes to an area of the dust filter near the second subset of electrodes.