JP2010212923A - Key input control system in information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simultaneously perform a key input to a plurality of designated servers from a remote terminal in a server system in which one remote terminal connected to a network operates the plurality of servers. <P>SOLUTION: A function for designating a transmission destination server by a special key is achieved by loading a management module including a processing method for management information of the servers and the special key (for example, key combination ALT + a, etc.,) between the remote terminal and the servers. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a key input control method in an information processing apparatus.

Conventionally, in a server system composed of a plurality of servers, when each server is operated from one console terminal (display device, keyboard, mouse), a console switching device is provided between the console terminal and the server, and the connection destination It was common to operate while switching between servers.
In a blade server system, a single KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) device mounted on the blade chassis is connected to an external LAN via a hub, and a remote terminal is connected to this LAN to realize the remote console function. Yes. This system configuration realizes a method of operating a server by switching a connection destination server, similarly to a server system using a console terminal and a console switching device.
In addition, a server module with a KVM conversion controller on the motherboard, which has a function to convert keyboard, video, and mouse output signals into IP (Internet Protocol) packets, and a management module with a network switch are connected between the modules. A console function similar to that described above is also realized in a blade system that is connected via a backplane having a wiring for each and is housed in a single casing. In the server system having this configuration, a function of simultaneously connecting a plurality of remote terminals to a plurality of server modules is realized.

JP-A-2005-149100 JP 2008-123464 A

  When a plurality of servers are operated at the same time in the conventional technique, as shown in [Patent Document 2], it is necessary to prepare a plurality of remote terminals and operate the remote terminals simultaneously by a plurality of persons. In server operations, for example, operations that change BIOS (Basic Input Output System) settings and firmware updates in a DOS environment are often performed only by key input, and these operations are performed on multiple servers. In this case, key input is repeated at a plurality of servers, which leads to an increase in work time and work amount.

  The present invention transmits a single key input operation from one remote terminal to a plurality of designated servers at the same time, thereby eliminating redundant work due to the key input operation performed for each server. The purpose is to increase the efficiency of operation and maintenance work.

  The present invention selects a server management information between a general-purpose PC (Personal Computer) used as a remote terminal and a server, a LAN switch function for transmitting received data to a designated port, and a destination server by key input. The problem is solved by installing a management module with the function to perform

  According to the present invention, a function of simultaneously operating a designated server by a key input operation from one remote terminal is realized.

Block diagram of the server system of the embodiment Illustration of management module and management information Flow chart showing processing by remote terminal Flow chart showing management module processing Flow chart showing server module processing

  The best mode for carrying out the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  As a server system for realizing the present invention, a blade server system form is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 as an example.

  In the blade server system 1, a plurality of server modules (2a, 2b, 2c...) And a management module 3 for managing the entire server system are housed in the same casing, and signal lines for connecting the modules. The inter-module communication is enabled through the backplane 4 wired with.

  The server modules (2a, 2b, 2c ...) are a processor, memory, chipset, VGA (Video Graphics Array) controller that controls screen output data, USB (Universal Serial Bus) that controls keyboard and mouse input / output signals ) Controller, Super IO (Super Input / Output) with serial-parallel data conversion function and UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) controller to control serial data transfer, and the function to convert VGA and USB signals into IP packets This module is equipped with KVM (Keyboard VGA Mouse) conversion controller 5 and the like.

  The KVM conversion controller 5 mounted on the server modules (2a, 2b, 2c...) Has a network function and performs IP communication with the management module 3 via the backplane 4. In order to perform IP communication between the server module (2a, 2b, 2c ...) and the management module 3, the management module 3 sets an arbitrary IP address for each server module (2a, 2b, 2c ...). .

  The management module 3 includes a management module control microcomputer 6, management information 7 for managing configuration information of the server modules (2a, 2b, 2c...), A LAN switch 8 for network communication, and management. It is composed of a LAN controller 9 for performing network control within the module.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of the management module 3 centering on the management information 7.

  The LAN switch 8 transmits the key input 12 input from the remote terminal 11 connected to the LAN 10 outside the server system to the server modules (2a, 2b, 2c...). Information (such as an IP address) for data transmission is set by the management module 3 when communication between the server module (2a, 2b, 2c...) And the remote terminal 11 is established. The LAN switch 8 has a mirror port 15 of the port 14 to which the remote terminal 11 is connected, and copies the data transmitted from the port 14 and transmits it to the mirror port 15. Data is also transmitted to the controller 9 at the same time. The data received from the remote terminal 11 received by the LAN controller 9 is discriminated as key input 12 or special key input 13 under the control of the management module control microcomputer 6. When it is determined that the key input 12 is normal, the management module control microcomputer 6 does not perform any special processing on the received data. When it is determined that the key 13 is special, an address that associates the data receiving destination with the destination in the LAN switch 8 in order to transmit data to a plurality of server modules (2a, 2b, 2c...). Update the table. This update process is executed by the management module control microcomputer 6 referring to the management information 7 in the management module 3 and writing necessary information in the address table. Through these processes, transmission data from the port 14 in the LAN switch 8 to which the remote terminal 11 is connected can be transmitted to a plurality of ports, and a plurality of server modules (2a, 2b, 2c,. Realize the function to send data to ()).

  The management information 7 includes a server module configuration management table 16 for managing server configuration information such as the IP addresses and MAC (Media Access Control address) addresses of the server modules (2a, 2b, 2c...), And a special key 13. It has a special key table 17 for managing the information.

  The server module configuration management table 16 is used when establishing communication between the remote terminal 11 and the server modules (2a, 2b, 2c...).

  The special key table 17 includes a list 18 of special keys 13 handled by the system and processing contents 19 corresponding thereto. Registered in the processing content 19 is server module (2a, 2b, 2c...) Combination information for simultaneously operating a plurality of servers, release of the simultaneous operation state by special key 13 input, and the like.

  For example, when the LAN switch 8 receives from the remote terminal 11 the key code (ALT + A) shown in No. 1 of the special key table 17, the server modules 2a, 2c 2 A stand is specified. In addition, when multiple servers are operated simultaneously by inputting special key 13, if the key code (ALT + X) shown in No. 20 of special key table 17 is received, the simultaneous operation is canceled. .

  Until the special key 13 for canceling the above-mentioned simultaneous operation is input, the simultaneous operation of the server is continued, and it is not necessary to select a server for executing the simultaneous operation with the special key 13 for each input.

  The table values (server information and special key settings) included in the management information 7 are set for each server system as information that can be customized by the administrator.

  During normal operation, one remote terminal and server module (2a, 2b, 2c ...) only have one-to-one communication, but if a special key 13 is received, the LAN switch 8 It is necessary to shift to a state in which the key input 12 is transmitted at the same time. To realize this function, when the LAN switch 8 receives the special key 13, the management module control microcomputer 6 updates the address table in the LAN switch 8, and the server modules (2a, 2b, 2c,... ) And the remote terminal 11 are temporarily set to 1-to-N communication. This state is canceled by inputting the special key 13 from the remote terminal 11 and not performing the key input 12 for a certain period of time, and returns to the original one-to-one communication. The problem according to the present invention is solved by the method described above.

  Next, a series of flows for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 shows an operation flow by the remote terminal 11.

  As the processing of 301, power is turned on for each server module (2a, 2b, 2c...) That performs server operation.

  As the processing of 302, communication between the remote terminal 11 and the server modules (2a, 2b, 2c...) Is established, and the server operation is enabled. When operating multiple server modules (2a, 2b, 2c ...) simultaneously, at this stage, the remote terminal 11 and the server modules (2a, 2b, 2c ...) may be in a one-to-one communication state, and remote An arbitrary server is selected from the terminal 11 to establish communication.

  In step 303, key input 12 for server operation is performed from the remote terminal 11. When operating multiple server modules (2a, 2b, 2c...) At the same time, or when special key 13 is already entered and canceling the status of operating multiple servers at the same time, it is special from remote terminal 11. Key 13 is entered. For the special key 13, a special key list handled by the system is registered in the special key table 14 in the management information 7.

  FIG. 4 shows a processing flow by the management module 3.

  As a process of 401, the port 14 in the LAN switch 8 receives the data (key input 12 and special key 13) input from the remote terminal 11.

  As the processing of 402, the data of the port 14 received by the LAN switch 8 from the remote terminal 11 is transmitted to the destination registered in the address table in the LAN switch 8 (server modules 2a, 2b 2c ... ) To the mirror port 15 at the same time. The mirror port 15 transmits the data received from the port 14 to the LAN controller 9 in the management module 3.

  In step 403, the LAN controller 9 in the management module 3 receives data from the mirror port 15 of the LAN switch 8. When the LAN controller 9 receives data, the management module control microcomputer 6 controls the data.

  As the processing of 404, the management module control microcomputer 6 analyzes the data received by the LAN controller 9. As an analysis process, it is determined whether the received data of the LAN controller 9 is a normal key input 12 or a special key 13. This determination is performed by the management module control microcomputer 6 comparing the data received by the LAN controller 9 with the special key list 18 in the management information 7 and confirming the presence or absence of the corresponding data.

  As a result of 404 processing, when it is determined that “not the special key 13” as a result of 404 processing, the management module control microcomputer 6 discards the data received by the LAN controller 9 and executes the processing based on this data. finish.

  As a result of the process 406, when it is determined that “special key 13” is obtained as a result of the process 404, the management module control microcomputer 6 determines the processing content by the special key 13. The processing content is determined by the special key 13 received by the LAN controller 9 and the special key processing content 19 in the special key table 17 corresponding thereto.

  As a result of the process 407, if it is determined that a key for canceling the process using the special key 13 (cancel 1-to-N communication) has been input as a result of the process 406, the current server module (2a, 2b, 2c,... ) And the remote terminal 11. When the special key 13 for canceling the one-to-N communication is input during the one-to-one communication, the processing by this key is not performed and the processing of the special key 13 is terminated.

  As a process of 408, as a result of the process 406, a key for canceling the 1-to-N communication is input, and the communication state between the current server module (2a, 2b, 2c...) And the remote terminal 11 is 1 pair. In the case of N communication, the management module control microcomputer 6 updates the address table in the LAN switch 8 in order to cancel the one-to-N communication and return to the same one-to-one communication state as in 302 processing.

  As a result of processing 409, if it is determined that a key for changing the server module (2a, 2b, 2c,...) That performs simultaneous operation is input as a result of processing 406, the data transmission destination is set to the special key table 14. Refer to and decide. Special key list 18 used for 404 processing and special key processing content 19 with information of destination server module (2a, 2b, 2c ...) are paired, and special key 13 is identified and transmitted at the same time A combination of destination servers is dynamically determined.

  As the processing of 410, for the data transmission destination server module (2a, 2b, 2c...) Determined by the 409 processing, the management module control microcomputer 6 associates the server module configuration information 16 with the special key processing content 19, Perform pre-configuration to establish 1-to-N communication status. As an example, when the simultaneous operation of the server modules 2a and 2c is executed, the information 2a and 2c is extracted from the server module configuration information 16, and preparation for one-to-N communication is performed.

  As processing of 411, 1-to-N communication between the remote terminal 11 and the server modules (2a, 2b, 2c...) Is established. Prior to the 411 process, communication is established with any one server module (2a, 2b, 2c...) By the 302 process or in a 1-to-N communication state. The management module control microcomputer 6 updates the address table in the LAN switch 8 to establish a new 1-to-N communication.

  As the processing of 412, after the one-to-N communication is established, the key input 12 from the remote terminal 11 is monitored. If there is a key input 12 within a predetermined time, the current communication reception state is maintained, and if there is no key input 12, the communication state is returned to the time of 302 processing (one-to-one communication).

  FIG. 5 shows a flow of server modules (2a, 2b, 2c...).

  As the processing of 501, the key input 12 transmitted from the LAN switch 8 in the management module 3 is received by the KVM conversion controller 5 on each server module 2 (2a, 2b, 2c...).

  As the processing of 502, the KVM conversion controller 5 converts the received key input 12 data and transmits it to the USB controller. The USB controller transmits key input 12 information to the chipset through the bus, and processing corresponding to the key input information is executed by the processor and the memory.

  Through the above processing 301 to 502, the key input 12 from the remote terminal 11 is simultaneously transmitted to the specified server module (2a, 2b, 2c...), And simultaneous operation of a plurality of servers is realized. .

  With the server system configuration shown as an example and the function to change the data transmission destination server using a special key 12, it is possible to perform key operations simultaneously from a single remote terminal 11 on multiple servers. It becomes. In addition, by providing a function to select a server by inputting from the remote terminal 11 (special key 13), a server that requires a partly different process in a series of operation processes exists. It becomes possible to respond flexibly to each.

  In addition, although demonstrated using the blade server system as an Example, it is realizable also in various server systems by mounting the function which performs the process of said 401-412 regardless of a server system form. Further, in the embodiment, an example in which key input processing is performed from the KVM conversion controller 5 via the USB controller is shown, but it also includes a case where it is realized by a Serial Over LAN function via BMC (Baseboard Management Controller).

  When a server is operated using a remote terminal via a network, it can be used by providing the management module shown in the embodiment or a network function having the same function.

1: Server system
2a, 2b, 2c: Server module
3: Management module
4: Backplane
5: KVM conversion controller
6: Management module control microcomputer
7: Management information
8: LAN switch
9: LAN controller
10: External LAN
11: Remote terminal
12: Special key input
13: Key input
14: Port to which the remote terminal is connected
15: Mirror port
16: Server module configuration management table
17: Special key table
18: Special key list in special key table
19: Destination server module information in special key table

Claims (1)

  In a server system in which a plurality of servers are connected to a single remote terminal via a network, a function for managing server configuration information between the server and the remote terminal, and a LAN (Local (Area network) switch, a LAN controller that controls this LAN switch, and a management module that integrates these functions, and a key input control method for simultaneously transmitting key inputs from a remote terminal to a plurality of servers.

Images