17876523. FORMING MODULAR CHASSIS TRUSTED GROUPS FOR PRE-BOOT AUTHENTICATION OF BLADE SERVERS simplified abstract (Dell Products L.P.)
FORMING MODULAR CHASSIS TRUSTED GROUPS FOR PRE-BOOT AUTHENTICATION OF BLADE SERVERS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Thanuja Chayakumar of Bangalore (IN)
FORMING MODULAR CHASSIS TRUSTED GROUPS FOR PRE-BOOT AUTHENTICATION OF BLADE SERVERS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17876523 titled 'FORMING MODULAR CHASSIS TRUSTED GROUPS FOR PRE-BOOT AUTHENTICATION OF BLADE SERVERS
Simplified Explanation
The disclosed patent application describes a method for maintaining security key information for blade servers inserted in modular chassis slots. The method includes the following steps:
- A logical trusted group comprising multiple slots is indicated.
- A trusted group database is maintained, which includes the security key information for each blade server in a slot of the trusted group.
- If a blade server is moved between two slots of the trusted group, the pre-boot process of the server blade in the second slot is automatically authenticated using the security key information in the trusted group database.
- If a blade server not associated with the trusted group is inserted into a trusted group slot, automatic authentication is blocked and the user is prompted to manually authenticate the new blade server.
- If manual authentication is successful, the security key information for the new blade is added to the database.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Data centers and server farms that use blade servers can benefit from this technology to ensure secure authentication and prevent unauthorized access to the servers.
- Cloud computing providers can use this technology to enhance the security of their infrastructure and protect customer data.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Ensures that only authorized blade servers are allowed to operate within a trusted group, preventing unauthorized access and potential security breaches.
- Simplifies the authentication process for blade servers that are moved between slots, reducing the risk of errors or delays in the boot-up process.
Benefits of this technology:
- Enhanced security: By maintaining security key information and authenticating blade servers, the technology helps protect against unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
- Streamlined operations: The automatic authentication process for blade servers within the trusted group reduces the need for manual intervention, saving time and effort for system administrators.
- Scalability: The technology can be applied to multiple blade servers and slots within a modular chassis, allowing for easy expansion and management of server infrastructure.
Original Abstract Submitted
Disclosed methods maintain security key information, including a unique security key, for one or more blade servers inserted in slots of one or more modular chassis. Following an indication of a logical trusted group comprising a plurality of slots, a trusted group database, including the security key information for each blade server in a slot of the trusted group, is maintained. Responsive to detecting movement of a blade server between two slots of the trusted group, a pre boot process of the server blade in the second slot is automatically authenticated via the security key information in the trusted group database. If a blade server not associated with the trusted group is inserted into a trusted group slot, automatic authentication is blocked and the user is prompted to manually authenticate the new blade server. If manual authentication is successful, security key information for the new blade is added to the database.
