Abstract: A computer includes a central processing unit, a first network adapter, a second network adapter, and an embedded switch. The embedded switch has a port coupled to the central processing unit, a port coupled to the first network adapter, and a port coupled to the second network adapter. The embedded switch provides a central processing unit with access to an external network using a selected one of the first and second network adapters, runs a baseboard management controller module that includes the functionality of a baseboard management controller, and provides the baseboard management controller module with access to an external network through the embedded switch to communicate with a remote management node.

Abstract: A computer includes a central processing unit, a first network adapter, a second network adapter, and an embedded switch. The embedded switch has a port coupled to the central processing unit, a port coupled to the first network adapter, and a port coupled to the second network adapter. The embedded switch provides a central processing unit with access to an external network using a selected one of the first and second network adapters, runs a baseboard management controller module that includes the functionality of a baseboard management controller, and provides the baseboard management controller module with access to an external network through the embedded switch to communicate with a remote management node.

Abstract: Network hardware of a computing device receives a network packet over a network to which the network hardware is connected. The network hardware determines that the network packet includes a power-cycling command. The network hardware, in response to determining that the network packet includes the power-cycling command, triggers a physical line between the network hardware and a power supply of the computing device. The power supply is connected to a power source and currently provides power from the power source to the computing device. In response to the network hardware triggering the physical line, the power supply interrupts providing the power to the computing device for a length of time to cause the computing device to restart and cold reboot.

Abstract: A computer includes a central processing unit, a management processor, a first network adapter, a second network adapter, and an embedded switch. The embedded switch includes a port coupled to the central processing unit, a port coupled to the management processor, a port coupled to the first network adapter, and a port coupled to the second network adapter. Furthermore, the embedded switch provides both the central processing unit and the management processor with access to an external network using a selected one of the first and second network adapters. Optionally, the computer may include additional network adapters.

Abstract: A computer includes a central processing unit, a management processor, a first network adapter, a second network adapter, and an embedded switch. The embedded switch includes a port coupled to the central processing unit, a port coupled to the management processor, a port coupled to the first network adapter, and a port coupled to the second network adapter. Furthermore, the embedded switch provides both the central processing unit and the management processor with access to an external network using a selected one of the first and second network adapters. Optionally, the computer may include additional network adapters.

Abstract: A workload server computing device receives a workload encryption key from a workload client computing device over a network. The workload encryption key is encrypted with a public encryption key of the workload server computing device. The workload server computing device decrypts the workload encryption key using a private encryption key of the workload server computing device corresponding to the public encryption key. The workload server computing device receives a workload from the workload client computing device over the network. The workload is encrypted with the workload encryption key. The workload server computing device decrypts the workload using the workload encryption key, and executes the decrypted workload for the workload client computing device.

Abstract: Network hardware of a computing device receives a network packet over a network to which the network hardware is connected. The network hardware determines that the network packet includes a power-cycling command. The network hardware, in response to determining that the network packet includes the power-cycling command, triggers a physical line between the network hardware and a power supply of the computing device. The power supply is connected to a power source and currently provides power from the power source to the computing device. In response to the network hardware triggering the physical line, the power supply interrupts providing the power to the computing device for a length of time to cause the computing device to restart and cold reboot.

Abstract: A power device powers a hardware component and a fan cools the component. A primary management device monitors a first characteristic, which is the temperature of the component or the power provided by the power device, and determines a desired fan speed of the fan based on the first characteristic. A secondary management device monitors a second characteristic, which is the temperature of the component or the power provided by the power device, and sets the fan speed to the desired fan speed determined by the primary management device. The secondary management device constructs a profile of the fan speed in relation to the second characteristic by periodically recording the fan speed and the second characteristic. In response to the primary management device failing, the secondary management device determines the desired fan speed based on the profile and set the fan speed to the desired fan speed that it determined.

Abstract: A workload server computing device receives a workload encryption key from a workload client computing device over a network. The workload encryption key is encrypted with a public encryption key of the workload server computing device. The workload server computing device decrypts the workload encryption key using a private encryption key of the workload server computing device corresponding to the public encryption key. The workload server computing device receives a workload from the workload client computing device over the network. The workload is encrypted with the workload encryption key. The workload server computing device decrypts the workload using the workload encryption key, and executes the decrypted workload for the workload client computing device.

Abstract: A selected guest key for making configuration changes to a computing device in a current use period of the computing device by an end user to which the selected guest key has been provided is activated. The end user presenting the selected guest key when remotely logging onto the computing device from a remote client computing device is authenticated. Responsive to authentication of the end user, the end user is permitted to make the configuration changes to the computing device via communications from the remote client computing device that are encrypted or signed with the selected guest key. Upon expiration of the current use period, the selected guest key is deactivated, and a new selected guest key for making configuration changes in another current use period by a different end user to which the new selected guest key has been provided can be activated.

Abstract: A power device powers a hardware component and a fan cools the component. A primary management device monitors a first characteristic, which is the temperature of the component or the power provided by the power device, and determines a desired fan speed of the fan based on the first characteristic. A secondary management device monitors a second characteristic, which is the temperature of the component or the power provided by the power device, and sets the fan speed to the desired fan speed determined by the primary management device. The secondary management device constructs a profile of the fan speed in relation to the second characteristic by periodically recording the fan speed and the second characteristic. In response to the primary management device failing, the secondary management device determines the desired fan speed based on the profile and set the fan speed to the desired fan speed that it determined.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a control system supports an unlimited number of feedback control loops all sharing control of a component. A component performance rate or “speed” is used as a common metric for negotiating control of the component. Each control loop continuously monitors a system parameter it is tasked with regulating, compares it to a setpoint for that system parameter, and “requests” a speed in relation to the deviation of the associated system parameter from the corresponding setpoint. A controller receives the requested speeds as dynamic inputs and selects one of the requested speeds according to predefined selection logic. The controller communicates the selected speed to an actuator, which causes the component to operate at the selected speed. In this manner, the control system in effect negotiates control of the component in a way that ensures that all of the system parameters are being managed within safe limits.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a control system supports an unlimited number of feedback control loops all sharing control of a component. A component performance rate or “speed” is used as a common metric for negotiating control of the component. Each control loop continuously monitors a system parameter it is tasked with regulating, compares it to a setpoint for that system parameter, and “requests” a speed in relation to the deviation of the associated system parameter from the corresponding setpoint. A controller receives the requested speeds as dynamic inputs and selects one of the requested speeds according to predefined selection logic. The controller communicates the selected speed to an actuator, which causes the component to operate at the selected speed. In this manner, the control system in effect negotiates control of the component in a way that ensures that all of the system parameters are being managed within safe limits.