Patent ID: 7389367
Filing Date: 2008-06-17
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for managing input/output interface modules for a modular computer system comprising: a plurality of processor modules each containing at least one processor; a plurality of input/output interface modules; and an input/output interface switch for connecting the input/output interface modules and processor modules, and establishing a connection relation between the input/output interface modules and processor modules; and a management server section to control the input/output interface switch and manage the connection relation between the input/output interface modules and the processor modules; and a system management server connected to the management server section, for operating system management software to decide a configuration of the modular computer system; and an input/output device connected directly or by a network to the input/output interface modules, wherein: the management server section includes a configuration management table for respectively managing input/output interface module specifications and connection status; when selecting an input/output interface module in an input/output device connection instruction issued by the system management server, the management server section creates a condition list including the input/output device, type of input/output interface module, specifications, and communication protocol in the input/output device connection instruction acquired from the system management server; searches the configuration management table, selects an input/output interface module matching the condition list, instructs the input/output interface switch to change the connection between the input/output interface module and the processor module, and rewrites the configuration management table based on that connection change information; wherein the configuration management table comprises: an input/output interface switch table for managing the connection relation between at least the processor module connected to the input/output interface switch, and the input/output interface module; a server table for managing an individual configuration of at least the modular computer system; an input/output interface module management table for managing the input/output devices connectable to at least the processor module and the unassigned input/output interface module; a specification management table for managing at least the specifications of each type of input/output interface module; and when a new input/output interface module is newly added to the input/output interface switch, the input/output interface switch acknowledges connection of the new input/output interface module and notifies the management server section, and the management server section, acquires information of the type, specification, identifier and power supply status of the new input/output interface module from the input/output interface switch, when the connection of the new input/output interface module has been acknowledged, and adds the new input/output interface module to the input/output interface switch table, selects a specification ID from the specifications for the input/output interface module, records the specifications in the input/output interface switch table, acquires information on input/output devices connectable to the input/output interface from a network management server for managing the network and the input/output device management server for managing the input/output devices, and records the input/output device information in the input/output interface module management table.