Abstract: An information handling system may include a processor, a network interface communicatively coupled to the processor, a storage resource communicatively coupled to the processor, and a basic input/output system (BIOS). The BIOS may be configured to, during a pre-boot environment of the information handling system: receive a datagram at the network interface from a network communicatively coupled to the network interface; determine if a variable is set within a header of the datagram indicating that a data payload of the datagram is to be bypassed by at least a portion of a network stack and a storage stack of the BIOS; and responsive to determining the variable is set, bypass the data payload by at least a portion of the network stack and the storage stack of the BIOS.

Abstract: A system comprises a first node, which comprises a first controller. The first controller is operable to access a set of files that are stored within a drive of the first node and configure the first node based on the set of files. The first controller is further configured to receive, from a second controller, a first message requesting access to the drive comprising the set of files. The second controller may be within a second node, which is different than the first node. In response to receiving the first message, the first controller transmits a second message to the second controller allowing the second controller to access the drive in the first node comprising the set of files by emulating the partition to configure the second node. The first controller is further configured to transfer the set of files to the second controller after transmitting the second message.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that may be implemented to deliver firmware for pre-boot updates of targeted information handling system device/s using custom update capsules (e.g., such as custom UEFI capsules) and a separately-stored firmware update package that is remotely or locally stored. The custom update capsules may contain instruction payload information that may be used to determine location and desired components of the separately-stored firmware update package, and that also may be used to determine whether existing driver/s are to be retained in a firmware module in system memory or to be unloaded and replaced with a new (e.g., upgraded or downgraded) driver version in a firmware module in system memory as part of the firmware update.

Abstract: A method and information handling system (IHS) that optimizes boot time. The method includes a basic input output system (BIOS) performing an authentication check of drivers during an initial boot process. The results of the authentication check are stored along with an unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) image for each driver in an authentication results data structure (ARDS). In response to receipt of a subsequent request to enable a secure boot of the IHS, when the initial boot process was performed with the secure boot disabled, the ARDS is accessed to determine if any of the drivers failed the authentication check. When none of the drivers have failed the authentication check, the boot process is continued using the UEFI images of the drivers. When at least one of the drivers has failed its authentication check, a notification is output indicating a failure of the authentication check.

Abstract: An information handling system includes a processor and a memory including code to implement a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). The UEFI includes a UEFI network file system module that provides a first compound command to get directory information for a first directory on a network storage device, provides a second compound command to get file information for the first directory, and provides a third compound command to open a file stored on the first directory. The UEFI also includes a UEFI network protocol module that sends the first compound command, the second compound command, and the third compound command to the network storage device, wherein the first compound command, the second compound command, and the third compound command are sent to the network storage device via a first network transaction.

Abstract: A first firmware volume of a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) compliant information handling system is accessed. Authentication information is retrieved from the first firmware volume using a UEFI Secure Architecture Protocol. Based on the authentication information, it is determined if the first firmware volume is a first type of firmware volume. If the first firmware volume is the first type of firmware volume, the first firmware volume is authenticated using the first authentication information and an authentication procedure other than Secure Boot authentication. If the first firmware volume is a second type of firmware volume, the second type different than the first type, the first firmware volume is authenticated using the first authentication information and the Secure Boot authentication.

Abstract: A service processor of an information handling system receives a Secure Boot database from a provisioning server coupled to the service processor by a data communication network. The Secure Boot database is stored at a memory device included at the service processor. The Secure Boot database is provided to a basic input output system (BIOS) at the information handling system in response to a request issued by intrinsic BIOS instructions executed during initialization of the information handling system.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for a boot mapping system. More specifically, in certain embodiments, BIOS of an information handling system includes a boot mapping system which allows the information handling system to boot up regardless of a boot order change in a network mode of operation or a BIOS boot order change. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the boot mapping system further includes a service location protocol (SLP) which locates operating system images based on the type of network protocol selected for deployment.