Abstract: The present invention relates to providing a secure computing environment in a remote server management controller. The exemplary embodiment includes a hierarchy of register security levels restricting register access by communications interfaces shared by the remote server management controller and a managed server associated therewith. Failsafe protection is provided to override register security under certain conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus captures the color palettes of a video graphics controller of a managed computer to a remote computer to transmit correct color information to a remote computer. A remote management controller may perform this technique independent from the operating system. The managed computer includes a processor and a video graphics controller. The remote management controller snoops a bus, which couples the processor to the video graphics controller, for processor accesses to the EGA and VGA color palettes stored in the video graphics controller. The remote management controller includes an EGA shadow look up table and a VGA shadow look up table that store the snooped information which is used to create correct color information to be transmitted to the remote computer so that it can display the same colors generated at the managed computer.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to the field of remote server management. More particularly, the embodiments relate to providing an embedded JTAG master in a remote server management controller. In an exemplary embodiment, the JTAG master is adapted to perform command and control functions on a wide range of integrated circuit components within a managed server. The JTAG master may also be configured to provide communication according to the In-Target Probe (ITP) and In-Circuit Emulation (ICE) test methodologies.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a remote server management controller that is adapted to be incorporated into a managed server. The disclosed embodiments allow a remote user to communicate with the managed server using out-of-band management communications that are not dependent on the OS of the managed server. The user may obtain management data from the OS or perform other functions remotely by causing the managed server to redirect data from its local communications interfaces to communications interfaces that are available to the remote user.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to remote server management technology. More particularly, the embodiments relate to improving the ability of remote server management tools to snoop large amounts of data, including graphical video data, from a communication bus. When snooping the communication bus for data, there is a risk that a storage device gathering the data will be overrun when the volume of relevant data snooped is high. The embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for passively throttling the communication bus to prevent overrun of devices storing snooped data.

Abstract: A bridge device couples together two buses in which more than one device at a time can assert a bus signal. The bridge includes comparators to drive or assert signals on one bus only if the signal is being asserted by the corresponding signal on the other of said buses. That is, the bridge does not drive a signal on a bus that is already being actively driven by a device coupled to that same bus. However, if a device coupled to the other of the buses drives the signal, then the comparator does drive the signal. The bridge preferably includes one such comparator for each bus signal on both buses. The bridge is particularly well-suited for use in bridging I2C buses.

Abstract: An application watchdog, comprising a dedicated watchdog counter in the hardware layer and a watchdog driver operating in the kernel mode layer of the computer operating system. The driver comprises a system thread configured to monitor a plurality of designated user applications operating in the user mode of the operating system and a message passing interface for receiving periodic signals from each of the user applications. The driver also uses an interface for transmitting timer reset commands to the dedicated watchdog counter. If the system thread receives a message from each of the designated user applications within an allotted period of time, the watchdog driver sends a timer reset command to the dedicated watchdog counter. Otherwise, the dedicated watchdog counter fails to receive the reset command and subsequently issues a system reset command. Early warning signals may be issued prior to system reset to alert system management.

Abstract: A computer system adapted for hot-pluggable components such as memory modules that may be replaced, upgraded and/or added without disturbing normal operation of the computer system. A failing memory module may be replaced by copying its contents to a new memory module in a background operation while the computer system runs its operating system and applications programs. When all contents are copied to the new memory module, the failing memory module may be removed without having to shut down the computer system. Computer system memory may be upgraded or added to by inserting the new memory module(s) into vacant disconnected memory connectors, whereupon the computer system automatically recognizes the new memory module(s), synchronously connects the new memory module(s) to the computer system memory bus, initializes the new memory module(s), and then notifies the operating system that the new memory module(s) is available, all without disturbing normal operation of the computer system.

Abstract: A computer system having integrated remote console functionality. Cycles intended for a video graphics controller are snooped to acquire the video data or control information contained in the cycle. Analysis is performed on the video data to detect sequential or repetitive operations. The video data is encoded into higher level primitives, if possible. The video data and primitives are held in a first-in-first-out (FIFO) memory until the FIFO reaches a critical level, or a staleness timer times out. Special firmware executed in system management mode reads the FIFO and converts the video data and primitives into conventional ASCII text or the required format. The firmware also maintains a copy of the video frame buffer to further encode the video data, if possible. The firmware then transmits the conventional ASCII text via a modem to a user stationed at a remote computer system.

Abstract: A computer system adapted for hot-pluggable components such as memory modules that may be replaced, upgraded and/or added without disturbing normal operation of the computer system. A failing memory module may be replaced by copying its contents to a new memory module in a background operation while the computer system runs its operating system and applications programs. When all contents are copied to the new memory module, the failing memory module may be removed without having to shut down the computer system. Computer system memory may be upgraded or added to by inserting the new memory module(s) into vacant disconnected memory connectors, whereupon the computer system automatically recognizes the new memory module(s), synchronously connects the new memory module(s) to the computer system memory bus, initializes the new memory module(s), and then notifies the operating system that the new memory module(s) is available, all without disturbing normal operation of the computer system.

Abstract: A computer system, such as a server disposed in an enterprise, accessible from a remote terminal for remote management applications. The computer system includes a remote console functionality assist logic structure for effectuating the sending and receiving of signals from the remote terminal. The remote console functionality assist logic structure is controlled by a dedicated processor that receives interrupts therefrom in response to a remote management application. The processor can also control one or more peripheral devices provided in the computer system, wherein the controlled peripheral device or devices are disposed up-stream or down-stream from the processor.

Abstract: A computer system, such as a server disposed in an enterprise, accessible from a remote terminal for remote management applications. The computer system includes a remote console functionality assist logic structure for effectuating the sending and receiving of signals from the remote terminal. The remote console functionality assist logic structure is controlled by a dedicated processor that receives interrupts therefrom in response to a remote management application. The processor can also control one or more peripheral devices provided in the computer system, wherein the controlled peripheral device or devices are disposed up-stream or down-stream from the processor.

Abstract: A computer system having detection logic for detecting a hot-pluggable component module being added to the computer system. The detection logic determines when the hot-pluggable component module is fully inserted in a component connector, waits a predetermined time to insure that the hot-pluggable component module is properly seated in and electrical connections made to the component connector, and then notifies a hot-plug controller that a new component module is available for use in the computer system. The hot-pluggable component module, such as a memory module, may be used by the computer system as a replacement for a defective module, upgrade and/or addition without disturbing normal operation of the computer system.

Abstract: A computer system, such as a server disposed in an enterprise, accessible from a remote terminal for remote management applications. The computer system includes a remote console functionality assist logic structure for effectuating the sending and receiving-of signals from the remote terminal. The remote console functionality assist logic structure is controlled by a dedicated processor that receives interrupts therefrom in response to a remote management application. The processor can also control one or more peripheral devices provided in the computer system, wherein the controlled peripheral device or devices are disposed up-stream or down-stream from the processor.

Abstract: A system for hiding computing devices on a computer bus comprising a computer memory for storing information pertaining to computing devices, a device proxy agent for reserving memory for storing information pertaining to hidden devices and an IOP, which in conjunction with the device proxy agent, assigns the memory space assigned to the device proxy agent to hidden devices. A section of memory is allocated as memory address space for the computer bus. A first portion of the allocated memory address space is assigned to non-hidden computing devices and a second portion of the allocated memory address space is assigned to the device proxy agent. The IOP in conjunction with the device proxy agent assigns the memory address space assigned to the device proxy agent to the hidden devices.

Abstract: A computer system with an Intelligent Input/Output architecture having a plug-and-play control mechanism for assigning and controlling one or more adapters. The computer system comprises at least one host processor for executing a host operating system, the host processor disposed on a host bus, an input/output (I/O) bus operably coupled to the host bus via a host-to-bus bridge, and a plurality of peripheral devices or adapters operably connected to the I/O bus for transferring data in I/O transactions controlled by an IOP resource. Initially, a selected adapter is defaulted to an “assigned” state without changing the interrupt routing associated with the adapter. Upon detecting the presence of a driver module that is executable on the IOP, the assigned adapter is marked as “controlled” and the interrupt routing is configured to deliver interrupts to the IOP. Subsequently, the controlled adapter is rendered “hidden” from the host operating system.

Abstract: A computer system includes a timer which times out if the operating system does not periodically reset the timer. When the system fails and no longer resets the timer, the timer times out, and the computer is reset. The system performs its power on program and checks the memory array for bad memory blocks, which are mapped out of the memory. Next, the system alerts the operator of the failure using a pager. The system then reboots itself from a hard drive having two separate bootable partitions, one for the operating system in the first partition, and one for a diagnostics program in the second partition, so that an operator may diagnose and remedy the problem. The operator may set an indication of which partition to use for booting. The system further provides for remote access so that the operator may interact with the diagnostics program from a remote location.

Abstract: A computer system includes a bus, remote console logic, a remote server management device, and an interrupt routing switch. The bus has a first interrupt line. The remote console logic has a second interrupt line and is coupled to the bus. The remote console logic is adapted to monitor video transactions present on the bus. The video transactions include video data. The remote console logic is further adapted to store the video data and provide an interrupt signal on the second interrupt line if the amount of stored video data reaches a predetermined threshold. The remote server management device is coupled to the bus and the first interrupt line. The interrupt routing switch is coupled to the first interrupt line and the second interrupt line and adapted to couple the second interrupt line to the first interrupt line. A method for capturing video transactions includes coupling a first interrupt line of a buffer to a shared interrupt line of a bus. Video transactions occurring on the bus are snooped.

Abstract: A computer system includes a timer which times out if the operating system does not periodically reset the timer. When the system fails and no longer resets the timer, the timer times out, and the computer is reset. The system performs its power on program and checks the memory array for bad memory blocks, which are mapped out of the memory. Next, the system alerts the operator of the failure using a pager. The system then reboots itself from a hard drive having two separate bootable partitions, one for the operating system in the first partition, and one for a diagnostics program in the second partition, so that an operator may diagnose and remedy the problem. The operator may set an indication of which partition to use for booting. The system further provides for remote access so that the operator may interact with the diagnostics program from a remote location.

Abstract: A computer system that provides for transparent plugging and unplugging of a keyboard independent of system operation. A virtual keyboard device communicates with the system keyboard controller when no keyboard is plugged. The virtual keyboard device provides appropriate responses to inquiries from the operating system during startup, allowing the system to boot without an actual keyboard being present. When a keyboard is plugged, its presence is detected and it is configured by a virtual keyboard controller. The newly configured keyboard is then coupled to the system keyboard controller. On unplug, the lack of a keyboard is detected by monitoring the power supply to the keyboard, whereupon the virtual keyboard is again coupled to the system keyboard controller.