摘要:
A method and system for selecting the architecture level to which a processor appears to conform within a computing environment when executing specific logical partitions or programs and performing migration among different levels of processor architecture. The method utilizes a “processor compatibility register” (PCR) that controls the level of the architecture that the processor appears to support. In one embodiment, the PCR is accessible only to super-privileged software. The super-privileged software sets bits in the PCR that specify the architecture level that the processor is to appear to support so that when the program runs on the processor, the processor behaves in accordance with the architecture level for which the program was designed.
摘要:
Firmware of an InfiniBand (IB) host computer device provides a representation of an IB Host Channel Adapter (HCA) within the hierarchical data structure during system initialization. An ib-boot support package encapsulates arguments for booting over an IB network using an ibport device. The ib-boot support package supports use of one or more command keywords, each identifying a specific type of support package utilized to retrieve the boot image. When the srp keyword is provided, an SRP protocol is used to access the storage boot device and retrieve the boot file. Access to the boot server is thus provided via one of the support packages, and the boot image is returned to the host device via the IB network for completion of boot operations.
摘要:
A method and system that enable system firmware to efficiently boot an operating system (OS) and/or client program from a network-connected Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI) device. The method generally comprises: (1) defining the firmware representation of the iSCSI device within the hierarchical data structure that represents the system hardware; and (2) extending the network support package to accommodate additional boot arguments that allow system firmware to acquire the information required for booting from the network-connected iSCSI device, while utilizing one of the existing discovery protocols.
摘要:
Firmware of an InfiniBand (IB) host computer device provides a representation of an IB Host Channel Adapter (HCA) within the hierarchical data structure during system initialization. An ib-boot support package encapsulates arguments for booting over an IB network using an ibport device. The ib-boot support package supports keywords identifying a network support package or a Sockets Direct Protocol (SDP) support package. When the first keyword is provided, the IPoIB network protocol is used to access the boot server and retrieve the boot file. When the second keyword is provided, the IB network boot method is implemented, whereby the SDP network protocol is used to access the boot device. Access to the boot server is thus provided via one of the support packages, and the boot image is returned to the host device via the IB network for completion of boot operations.
摘要:
Extending the network support package to accept network addresses in IPv6 format and allow the use of other boot discovery protocols, such as DHCP, to acquire the information needed to boot a system using a file on a remote server. A mechanism is added to the network support package to enable/allow the specification of additional boot discovery protocols and additional network address formats. The mechanism defines qualifier keywords that are added to the boot arguments and processed by the network support package. The qualifier keywords modify the boot arguments associated with a bootstrap method by specifying a way to acquire the arguments (i.e., a specific boot discovery protocol), the format of the arguments, and other parameters associated with the arguments. Qualifier keywords are optionally appended before the arguments. Multiple qualifier keywords may be added to the boot arguments at a time, and the keywords can be applied in their order within the arguments.