Method and apparatus to dynamically determine the optimal capacity of a server in a server farm

A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for determining an optimal capacity of a server within a set of servers. Resource use and units of work data are dynamically collected from the server. An optimal capacity is identified for the server using the resource use and unit of work data from the server.

Efficient backup and restore of virtual input/output server (VIOS) cluster

A method enables cluster-level backup and restore functionality of all Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) configuration data within a VIOS cluster and the data of a shared VIOS cluster database. The method comprises: performing, via a backup/restore utility of a VIOS partition, a cluster level backup, which creates a first VIOS cluster configuration backup file having configuration information about hardware, logical and virtual devices of each VIOS partition within a VIOS cluster and all cluster data from the shared VIOS database of the VIOS cluster; storing the VIOS cluster configuration backup file within a storage location; and responsive to receipt of a VIOS restore command at a VIOS partition: retrieving the configuration backup file from the storage location; restoring a configuration of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of each VIOS within the VIOS cluster to prior state; and restoring the shared VIOS database with the backed-up cluster data.

SUPPORTING AUTONOMOUS LIVE PARTITION MOBILITY DURING A CLUSTER SPLIT-BRAINED CONDITION

A method, data processing system, and computer program product autonomously migrate clients serviced by a first VIOS to other VIOSes in the event of a VIOS cluster “split-brain” scenario generating a primary sub-cluster and a secondary sub-cluster, where the first VIOS is in the secondary sub-cluster. The VIOSes in the cluster continually exchange keep-alive information to provide each VIOS with an up-to-date status of other VIOSes within the cluster and to notify the VIOSes when one or more nodes loose connection to or are no longer communicating with other nodes within the cluster, as occurs with a cluster split-brain event/condition. When this event is detected, a first sub-cluster assumes a primary sub-cluster role and one or more clients served by one or more VIOSes within the secondary sub-cluster are autonomously migrated to other VIOSes in the primary sub-cluster, thus minimizing downtime for clients previously served by the unavailable/uncommunicative VIOSes.

VIRTUAL MACHINE UPDATES

Various systems, processes, and products may be used to update virtual machines. In particular implementations, a system, process, and product for updating virtual machines may include the ability to determine whether a change to a portion of an operating system for a virtual machine is available and identify a virtual machine using the operating system. The system, process, and product may also include the ability to determine when the virtual machine is modifiable and update the portion of the operating system for the virtual machine when it is modifiable. 1. A system comprising:a number of virtual machines, each virtual machine including an operating system; and memory storing the operating system and a change to a portion of the operating system;', 'a virtualization engine operable to provide an interface between the virtual machines and the server system; and', 'a processing system operable, according to the virtualization engine, to update the portion of the operating system for one of the virtual machines when the virtual machine is modifiable., 'a server system comprising2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processing system is further operable to:determine whether a change to a portion of an operating system for a virtual machine is available;identify a virtual machine using the operating system; anddetermine when the virtual machine is modifiable.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the processing system is further operable to associate the change with a portion of the operating system.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processing system is further operable to:determine whether an additional virtual machine requires an update of the operating system; anddetermine whether the virtual machine is modifiable.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processing system is further operable to release the memory for the old portion of the operating system when the virtual machines using the operating system have been updated.6. The system of claim 5 , wherein ...

Dynamically provisioning computer system resources

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for dynamically provisioning server resources. More particularly, methods, systems, and products are disclosed for dynamically provisioning computer system resources that include monitoring a connection performance parameter of a data communications port operating in a data communications protocol having a connection backlog queue having a connection backlog queue size; and changing the connection backlog queue size in dependence upon the monitored connection performance parameter without interrupting the operation of the data communications port and without user intervention. In typical embodiments of the present invention, monitoring a connection performance parameter includes receiving a connection request and determining that the connection backlog queue is full, and changing the connection backlog queue size in dependence upon the monitored connection performance parameter includes increasing the connection backlog queue size.

Method for moving operating systems between computer electronic complexes without loss of service

A system and method for migrating a client partition between computer electronic complexes (CECs) while maintaining access to a Storage Area Network. An active and inactive world wide port name are generated for a client virtual channel adapter. A query is sent to a name server from the VIOS on the source CEC. The name server creates a list of small computer system interface (SCSI) targets that are available. The list is used by the VIOS on the destination CEC to verify whether any physical ports in the destination CEC have access to the same SCSI target. The client partition may be migrated between a source CEC and a destination CEC and the access to the Storage Area Network access may be maintained.

Method and Apparatus for a Secure Network Install

A method, an apparatus, and computer instructions are provided for a secure network install. One aspect of the present invention provides a proxy server within the same subnet of the client for performing a lookup of the boot image file and downloading the boot image file from a boot file server in a secure manner. The client in turn downloads the file from the proxy TFTP server. Another aspect of the present invention modifies the client remote boot code to include a secure boot file download discovery (SBDD) mode. The client starts the SBDD mode by sending a request for a boot image file to a subnet broadcast address and port, which is listened by a proxy TFTP server. The proxy TFTP server receives the client request and downloads the boot image file. The client in turn downloads the boot image file from the proxy TFTP server.

Method for dynamically allocating network adapters to communication channels for a multi-partition computer system

In an arrangement comprising a partitioned computer system and a switch with multiple adapters, wherein adapters are combined to form channels on respective partitions, a method is provided for dynamically changing the configuration of channels to which some of the adapters are assigned. The method allows better utilization for over-all network bandwidth. In one embodiment, the method includes initially allocating the adapters to establish at least one communication channel between each partition and the switch, wherein one or more adapters are allocated to each channel. Metric data is acquired for each channel during a time period, wherein the metric data indicates bandwidth utilization of respective channels. The metric data is evaluated to detect a first channel that under-utilizes available bandwidth when a second channel is over-utilizing available bandwidth. Adapters are reallocated from the first channel to the second channel by leveraging advanced Operating System and firmware support ...

Mechanism for NPIV Client Recovery When NPIV Server Goes Down

With N_Port ID Virtualization (NPIV), a managed system can he configured so that multiple logical partitions (LPARs) can access independent physical storage through the same physical fibre channel adapter. An NPIV client recovery component of a virtualization management component, such as a Power Hypervisor (pHYP), provides the emulation mapping between server and client virtual fibre channel adapters. The pHYP also provides a mechanism that prevents client partition crashes when the NPIV server (e.g., a VIOS logical partition) goes down. When the NPIV server is rebooted or powers down, the pHYP handles the client LPARs to avoid a crash by removing processing resources from the client logical partition. Thereby, the client logical partition is prevented from attempting to access a root volume group in physical storage via the NPIV server. The pHYP allocates processor resources to the client LPAR when the NPIV server is again available for I/O processing.

Performing a logical partition migration utilizing plural mover service partition pairs

A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided in a data processing system for performing a logical partition migration utilizing multiple mover service partition pairs. Responsive to a virtual machine monitor initiating a logical partition migration operation to move a logical partition from a source system to a destination system, a plurality of input/output paths are established between a plurality of mover service partition pairs. The virtual machine monitor performs the logical partition migration operation using the plurality of mover service partition pairs to transfer a memory image of the logical partition from the source system to the destination system to effect the logical partition migration operation. Responsive to failure of one of the plurality of input/output paths, the virtual machine monitor may complete the logical partition migration operation using at least one remaining mover service partition pair.

Retrieving dated content from a website

Retrieving dated content from a website including receiving a URL for dated content with a date field; inserting the current date in the date field; and retrieving the dated content with the URL bearing the current date in its date field. In some embodiments, date field bears an encoded date and inserting the current date in the date field includes replacing the encoded date with the current date. Typical embodiments also include bookmarking the URL, including replacing an encoded date in the date field with a date tag. Some embodiments include prompting the user for a date format. In many embodiments, the date tag includes a default date format. Some embodiments include configuring the browser with a default date format.

Virtualizing storage for WPAR clients that share a common operating system of logical partition

Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different virtual port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage connected to the VIOS.

Controlling connection status of network adapters

A method, medium and implementing processing system are provided for controlling the number of Ethernet adapters connected in an EtherChannel depending upon the current bandwidth requirements of the system. This system reduces power consumption, inter alia, wherever possible while not sacrificing performance or flexibility of an EthernetChannel. An exemplary embodiment EtherChannel's total bandwidth utilization is monitored and controlled. When the bandwidth utilization is a predetermined amount less than or more than a predetermined threshold level, power supplied to one or more of the physical Ethernet adapters that are part of the EtherChannel is adjusted, i.e. reduced or increased, accordingly. In another embodiment, in systems where ethernet devices support different levels of power, the power supplied to one or more adapters can be systematically incrementally reduced or increased in response to reduced or increased bandwidth utilization.

ADDRESS RESOLUTION PROTOCOL CHANGE ENABLING LOAD-BALANCING FOR TCP-DCR IMPLEMENTATIONS

Data processing systems, computer implemented methods, and computer program products are provided for updating an address resolution protocol table. Updates received for the address resolution protocol table are comprised of an internet protocol address, a media access control address, and a unique identifier.

Hibernation and Remote Restarting Hibernation Data in a Cluster Environment

Hibernation and remote restore functions of a client logical partition (LPAR) that exists within a data processing system having cluster-aware Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Servers (VIOSes) is performed via receipt of commands via a virtual control panel (VCP) through an underlying hypervisor. The client hibernation data file is stored in a shared repository by a source/original VIOS assigned to the client. The hypervisor receives a remote restart command and assigns a target/remote client LPAR and a target VIOS. The source I/O adapters and target I/O adapters are locked and the target VIOS gathers adapter configuration information from the source VIOS and configures the target adapters to be able to perform the I/O functionality provided by the source adapters to the client LPAR. The target VIOS then retrieves the client's hibernation data file, and the client LPAR is restored at the remote LPAR with the target VIOS providing the client's I/O functionality.

Resolver caching of a shortest path to a multihomed server as determined by a router

A resolver queries a DNS server for any network addresses associated with the particular domain name. If the resolver detects a response for the DNS server with multiple network addresses for a particular domain name, then the resolver creates and sends a shortest path query to at least one router enabled to receive and respond to shortest path queries. The shortest path query indicates at least one source address and the multiple destination addresses returned by the DNS server for the particular domain name. The router detects a separate length for each path accessible between each source address and each of the multiple destination addresses. The router then orders the destination addresses from shortest path to longest path and returns the ordered destination addresses to the requesting resolver. The resolver caches the ordered network addresses in the local cache in association with the particular domain name, such that for future requests for the particular domain name, the resolver ...

Mechanism for preventing client partition crashes by removing processing resources from the client logical partition when an NPIV server goes down

With N_Port ID Virtualization (NPIV), a managed system can be configured so that multiple logical partitions (LPARs) can access independent physical storage through the same physical fibre channel adapter. An NPIV client recovery component of a virtualization management component, such as a Power Hypervisor (pHYP), provides the emulation mapping between server and client virtual fibre channel adapters. The pHYP also provides a mechanism that prevents client partition crashes when the NPIV server (e.g., a VIOS logical partition) goes down. When the NPIV server is rebooted or powers down, the pHYP handles the client LPARs to avoid a crash by removing processing resources from the client logical partition. Thereby, the client logical partition is prevented from attempting to access a root volume group in physical storage via the NPIV server. The pHYP allocates processor resources to the client LPAR when the NPIV server is again available for I/O processing.

Method and apparatus for a secure network install

A method, an apparatus, and computer instructions are provided for a secure network install. One aspect of the present invention provides a proxy server within the same subnet of the client for performing a lookup of the boot image file and downloading the boot image file from a boot file server in a secure manner. The client in turn downloads the file from the proxy TFTP server. Another aspect of the present invention modifies the client remote boot code to include a secure boot file download discovery (SBDD) mode. The client starts the SBDD mode by sending a request for a boot image file to a subnet broadcast address and port, which is listened by a proxy TFTP server. The proxy TFTP server receives the client request and downloads the boot image file. The client in turn downloads the boot image file from the proxy TFTP server.

Method and apparatus for server load sharing based on foreign port distribution

A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for handling requests in a data processing system. A plurality of processes is provided to handle the requests. Each of the plurality of processes is assigned to handle requests from a subset of foreign ports within a plurality of foreign ports such that a set of foreign ports assigned to a process is unique with respect to other subsets of foreign ports within the plurality of foreign ports. A foreign port is identified in a request in response to receiving the request. The request is sent to a process assigned the subset of foreign ports having a match to the foreign port in the request, wherein the process handles the request.

Autonomous propagation of virtual input/output (VIO) operation(s) to second VIO server (VIOS) due to a detected error condition at a first VIOS

A method provides input/output (I/O) redundancy within a data processing system having (a) a client logical partition (LPAR) that generates and consumes I/O requests, (b) a plurality of virtual input/output servers (VIOS) that are communicatively inter-connected with each other to form a VIOS cluster and which include virtual I/O adapters for connecting to a fabric that provides access to a block storage. In one embodiment, a first VIOS receives an I/O request from the client LPAR. The first VIOS detects that a problem exists with a fabric connection to the block storage, and the first VIOS responds to the detected connection problem by autonomously propagating the I/O request to a second VIOS to which the first VIOS is connected. Forwarding of the I/O request to the block storage is subsequently completed by the second VIOS.

SELECTIVE PROCESSING OF APPLICATION PERMISSIONS

An application permissions processing system and method for processing application permission requests is provided. The method includes the steps of detecting that an application has been downloaded to a computing system, receiving one or more permission requests from the application for resources located on the computing system, determining that at least one of the one or more permission requests is a required permission of the application, prompting the user to decide the one or more permission requests, receiving a denial of the required permission from the user, in response to the prompting, and responding to the application by providing spoofed resources to the application to satisfy the required permission of the application.

Method and apparatus for managing keepalive transmissions

A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing keepalive transmissions. A keepalive packet is received from a remote data processing over a particular connection within a set of connections to the remote data processing system. Timers for each of the set of connections are reset in response to receiving a response to a keepalive packet from the remote data processing system such that only a single keepalive packet is required to maintain all of the plurality of connections with the remote data processing system. In this manner, the number of requests and responses with respect to whether a connection is active is minimized, reducing congestion in a network data processing system.

Method for Allowing Multiple Authorized Applicants to Share the Same Port

In a method comprising an embodiment of the invention, an original application initially binds to a port, and selects or designates a confidential key, which usefully may be a conventional cookie. The invention also sets a socket option, referred to by way of example, as SO_SECURE_REUSEPORT. The confidential key, together with the port number, is then registered with the operating system of a host associated with the port. In order for another application to subsequently bind to the port, such application must provide the operating system with a key that is identical to the confidential key. In one useful embodiment of the invention, a first application binds a socket to a particular port associated with the host. A specified key is registered with the operating system, and a second application is allowed to bind to the particular port only if the second application can furnish the operating system with a key that matches the specified key.

Method to improve response time when clients use network services

A method, apparatus, and computer program product in a data processing system for improving response time when clients use network services. If a load level exceeds a load transfer level, the method causes the server to refuse a corresponding percentage of incoming requests received. Then the method sends a message to the requesting client for each refused incoming request, wherein the message requests the requesting client to resend the refused incoming request to a secondary server.

Autonomous primary node election within a virtual input/output server cluster

In a data processing system having a plurality of virtual input/output servers (VIOSes) configured within a VIOS cluster, a method, data processing system and computer program product provide for autonomous election of a primary node within a virtual input/output server (VIOS) cluster. A first VIOS performs the functions of: detecting that a primary node is required for the VIOS cluster; and autonomously initiating an election process to elect a next primary node from among the VIOSes within the VIOS cluster. When the first VIOS meets the pre-established requirements for becoming a primary node, the first VIOS obtains a lock on a primary node ID field within a VIOS database (DB) and then initiates a primary node commit process to assign the first VIOS as the primary node. The first VIOS issues a notification to the VIOS cluster to notify the other VIOSes that a primary node has been elected.

VIRTUAL REAL MEMORY EXPORTATION FOR LOGICAL PARTITIONS

A computer implemented method, apparatus, and program product for extending virtual memory associated with logical partitions. A hosting partition receives a paging request from a logical partition on a logically partitioned data processing. The hosting partition identifies a location of the physical memory space on a remote computing device assigned to the logical partition and sends an extended virtual memory paging request to an extended virtual memory manager located on the remote computing device using a network connection. The extended virtual memory paging request comprises the instructions for the memory page-in or the memory page-out and the location of the physical memory space on the remote computing device that is being paged-in or paged-out. The extended virtual memory manager performs a page-in operation or a page-out operation in accordance with the instructions for the memory page-in or memory page-out.

Virtualizing Storage for WPAR Clients

Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage connected to the VIOS. 1. A system for providing to each of a plurality of Working load Partitions (WPAR) in a server access to physical storage through a Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) of the server , comprising:a server with a processor to execute software to create a logical partition comprising at least one WPAR and a WPAR manager which controls access of each WPAR to the physical storage through virtual ports connected to the VIOS using Node Port Identification Virtualization (NPIV) protocol so that each WPAR has access to its own private memory of the physical storage; andphysical storage connected to the VIOS of the server through a physical adapter, wherein each WPAR is capable of executing an application program, and wherein the WPAR is configured to access information about the physical storage without virtualization of the physical storage.23-. (canceled)4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , within the VIOS claim 1 , a server adapter created by software executed by the processor claim 1 , the server adapter associated with a virtual port identification of the VFC claim 1 , and wherein the server adapter communicates data between the VIOS and a physical adapter coupled to the physical storage.5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an authenticator created by software executed by the processor to authenticate a memory transaction initiated by a WPAR claim 1 , wherein the authenticator is configured to authenticate a key value submitted by a WPAR against stored key values ...

Method and Apparatus for Adding Recipients to Sent Email

A data processing system for resending a previously sent email message. A new recipient for the previously sent email message is selected. The new recipient of the previously sent email message is added in response to selecting the new recipient, wherein the previously sent email message is directed to the new recipient and a previous recipient. An indicator to the previously sent email message is added in response to selecting the new recipient, wherein the indicator indicates that the new recipient has been added to a form a new version of the previously sent email message. The new version of the previously sent email message is sent in response to adding the indicator, wherein the indicator causes the new version of the previously sent email message to replace the previously sent email message at an email program of the previous recipient.

Method to reduce the learning curve of a transmission control protocol connection

A method in a data processing system for reducing the learning curve of a transmission control protocol connection. A domain name system is queried for information. The information and a previously used transmission control protocol parameter for a transmission control protocol connection are received from the domain name system. The information and the previously used transmission control protocol parameter are used to configure a current transmission control protocol connection.

mSCTP based handover of a mobile device between non-intersecting networks

Responsive to detecting a need for a mobile device to transfer out of a first network, requests are sent from the mobile device to a communication endpoint in mSCTP. The first request is to stop transmissions to a first address of said mobile device. The second request is to add an intermediary address of a mobility support service designated for receiving any communications already in transmission when the first request is sent. The communication link for the mobile device is then transitioned from the current address at the first network to a second address at a second network. The first network and the second network are non-intersecting networks. The mobile device then indicates to the mobility support service that the handover from the first network to the second network is complete. The mobility support service responds to the completion by sending a third request in mSCTP to the communication endpoint to continue communication with the mobile client at the second address.

Utilizing parallel available services over a wireless network

In a wireless telecommunications network, when a wireless telephone user is placed on an on-hold status by the other party, additional information/data is downloaded (pushed) to the telephone user's display screen on their telephone using a wireless application protocol to the user's web-enabled telephone. There are thus parallel connections established—the voice connection and the data connection downloading the web page.

Sharing network adapter among multiple logical partitions in a data processing system

A data processing system comprising a set of logical partitions and at least one hardware resource that is shared by two or more of the partitions is disclosed. The hardware resource is typically a network communication device such as a conventional network adapter. A first logical partition will generally take control or ownership of the resource through resource driver software that is part of the first partition. The other partitions that want to share the resource typically then register themselves with the first partition. In one embodiment, the registration of each subsequent partition is achieved by registering a set of low level network identifiers with the resource driver software. In one embodiment, a Media Access Control (MAC) address is assigned to each logical partition and the logical partition registers this address with the resource driver to identify itself from other logical partitions. The first partition will then typically configured the resource to prevent any hardware filtering of packets or other information that the resource might otherwise engage in. Once the hardware filtering is deactivated, the resource can receive and accept any and all packets on the connected medium. The driver software can then compare the destination MAC address against the list of registered MAC addresses and forward the packet to the appropriate LPAR if a match is detected. The driver can typically also accommodate broadcast packets that are intended to be delivered to every node on the network.

Reduction of server overload

A system and method for preventing at least in part a server overload. A server may send a request to one or more routers located on the server side of a network system to block, i.e., filter, packets of data that may exceed the capacity of the server to service. The one or more routers located on the server side may block, i.e., filter, those packets of data as well as propagate the request to block those packets of data to one or more neighboring routers which may be located on the client side of the network system. The one or more neighboring routers may then block those packets of data that may exceed the capacity of the server to service and/or propagate the request to block those packets of data to their one or more neighboring routers.

Method to Reduce the Learning Curve of a Transmission Control Protocol Connection

A method in a data processing system for reducing the learning curve of a transmission control protocol connection. A domain name system is queried for information. The information and a previously used transmission control protocol parameter for a transmission control protocol connection are received from the domain name system. The information and the previously used transmission control protocol parameter are used to configure a current transmission control protocol connection.

Method and apparatus for managing IP addresses and name mappings for wireless clients

A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing network addresses. A received network address from a current server is compared for use in identifying the data processing system with a prior network address from a previous server. A release data packet is created if the received network address is a new network address and the previous server is a different server than the current server in which the release data packet includes the prior network address. The release data packet is sent to the previous server in which the release data packet causes the previous server to release the prior network address for reuse.

Retrieving Dated Content From A Website

Retrieving dated content from a website including receiving a URL for dated content with a date field; inserting the current date in the date field; and retrieving the dated content with the URL bearing the current date in its date field. In some embodiments, date field bears an encoded date and inserting the current date in the date field includes replacing the encoded date with the current date. Typical embodiments also include bookmarking the URL, including replacing an encoded date in the date field with a date tag. Some embodiments include prompting the user for a date format. In many embodiments, the date tag includes a default date format. Some embodiments include configuring the browser with a default date format.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING ENVIRONMENT VARIABLE AND PROCESS OPTION INVOCATION

A method, system, and computer-usable medium for enhancing environment variable and process option invocation in a data processing system. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in response to receiving a request for a system startup, an operating system loads a centralized environment file. In response to receiving a request for a user login, the operating system searches for a user environment file. In response to determining that the user environment file conflicts with the centralized environment file, the operating system overrides the user environment file with settings from the centralized environment file.

Migrating memory data between partitions

A method, system, and computer usable program product for migrating memory data between partitions are provided in the illustrative embodiments. All or a portion of a memory data of the source partition is written to a data storage unit, which may be a shared paging space, or a shared area of a data storage unit other than a paging space. The writing uses a first data communication path configured for paging the memory data. The portion of the memory data from the data storage unit is read at a destination partition. The reading uses a second data communication path configured for paging a second memory data. The read portion of the memory data may be used for executing a migrated application. The writing and reading may use a third and a fourth data communication paths respectively that may be configured for paging memory data to the shared area.

Apparatus and method of generating an XML document to represent network protocol packet exchanges

A method, system and apparatus for generating an XML document to represent network protocol packet exchanges are provided. Each data packet consists of different internal fields. The fields are identified are used to generate the XML document. Specifically, the different fields are used as tagged element of the XML document.

Reduction of server overload

A system and method for preventing at least in part a server overload. A server may send a request to one or more routers located on the server side of a network system to block, i.e., filter, packets of data that may exceed the capacity of the server to service. The one or more routers located on the server side may block, i.e., filter, those packets of data as well as propagate the request to block those packets of data to one or more neighboring routers which may be located on the client side of the network system. The one or more neighboring routers may then block those packets of data that may exceed the capacity of the server to service and/or propagate the request to block those packets of data to their one or more neighboring routers.

System and method for allocating resources on a network

A system and method for allocating resources on a network, including a server and at least one client. The resources are associated within a single set, such that the number of resources within the network can be easily incremented or decremented. Flags are associated with each resource, where the flags may be set to one of two states: a first state or a second state. When the server receives a connection request from a client, the server examines the flags associated with the resources to find a flag set to a second state. Upon finding a resource with a flag set to the second state, that resource is assigned to the client. Once the resource is assigned to a client, the associated flag is set to a first state and another flag associated with another resource is set to a second state.

Method and apparatus for automatically activating standby shared Ethernet adapter in a Virtual I/O server of a logically-partitioned data processing system

A method, an apparatus, and computer instructions are provided for automatically activating standby shared Ethernet adapter in a Virtual I/O server of a logically-partitioned data processing system. A standby shared Ethernet adapter (SEA) is set up with a virtual Ethernet adapter that belongs to the same network as the primary shared Ethernet adapter (SEA). The standby SEA monitors periodically for a failure of the primary SEA. If a failure occurs, the standby SEA is activated by connecting a path between its physical adapter and virtual trunk adapter, such that the virtual trunk adapter becomes the primary SEA for the client partitions. Responsive to detecting a recovery of the primary SEA, the primary SEA determines if external communications are received from the standby SEA. If no external communications are received, the primary SEA is reactivated by connecting a path between its physical adapter and virtual trunk adapter.

APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SPLITTING A DATA STREAM OVER MULTIPLE TRANSPORT CONTROL PROTOCOL/INTERNET PROTOCOL (TCP/IP) CONNECTIONS

A method, system and apparatus for improving data transfer rate over a network are provided. When a piece of data is to be transmitted to a target system, it is divided into a number of packets and a determination is made as to whether the number of packets exceeds a threshold number. If so, the packets are transferred in parallel over a plurality of network connections. The ideal network connections are TCP/IP connections. Thus, each packet has an IP header, which contains an IP identification field. An indicium is placed into the IP identification field for proper reconstruction of the data by the target system.

Protocol definition for software bridge failover

A method, data processing system, and computer usable code are provided for protocol definition for software bridge failover. In a first aspect of the present invention, a first software bridge determines the proper working operation of a physical adapter. Limbo packets are sent to a second software bridge alerting the second software bridge that the first software bridge is no longer bridging traffic responsive to the physical adapter failure in the first software bridge. The second software bridge receives the limbo packets, and, in response to receiving the limbo packets, asserts primary control and initiates bridging of traffic. In an alternative aspect of the present invention a first software bridge sends keep-alive packets. A second software bridge monitors the keep-alive packets from the first software bridge and, in response to a failure to detect the keep-alive packets from the first software bridge, the second software bridge initiates bridging of traffic.

Addressing a workload partition

A method for addressing a workload partition is provided in the illustrative embodiments. A packet of data directed to the WPAR and including a combined address is received at a software stack. A determination is made whether the combined address includes an identifier that is reserved. If the identifier is not reserved, the identifier is used to identify the WPAR in the data processing system and the packet is sent to the WPAR. The software stack is an application configured to enable data communication using a protocol of the packet, and is modified to detect, recognize, and process the combined address for routing the packet to the WPAR. The combined address may be logically formed using an identifier associated with the data processing system and an identifier associated with the WPAR, which may be located in different portions of the packet.

Apparatus and method of generating an XML document to represent network protocol packet exchanges

A method, system and apparatus for generating an XML document to represent network protocol packet exchanges are provided. Each data packet consists of different internal fields. The fields are identified are used to generate the XML document. Specifically, the different fields are used as tagged element of the XML document.

Method and system for identifying spam email

A method, system, and computer program product for selectively allowing email identified as spam by a spam filter to be received by an end-user.

Arrangements for storing and retrieving blocks of data having different dimensions

A method for storing and retrieving blocks of data having different dimensions is disclosed. The method can include receiving a first data segment to be stored in a block storage device where the first data segment has an address. The method can also include determining if the first data segment conforms to a standard dimension and sorting the first data segment according to the destination address if it does not have a standard dimension. The method can further include placing a non-standard data segment into a unfilled block allocation and placing a second non-standard data segment into the unfilled block allocation when the second data segment has the destination identifier. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Method, for securely maintaining communications network connection data

A method for securely maintaining communications network connection data is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed according to which a user is prompted for network element address substitution data which specifies a substitute network element address for a network element address associated with a network element of a first communications network. The network element address substitution data is then stored within a first storage element, wherein access to the first storage element outside of the first communications network is restricted. Connection monitor data associated with the first communications network is processed utilizing the network element address substitution data. According to the described embodiment, such connection monitor data processing includes identifying metadata of the connection monitor data which specifies the described network element address, and substituting the metadata with metadata which specifies the substitute network element address ...

Registration and initialization of cluster-aware virtual input/output server nodes

In a data processing system having a plurality of virtualized operating system (OS) partitions, a first cluster-aware virtual input/output server (VIOS) is provided within an OS partition by execution of a cluster-aware (CA) OS on a virtual processor resource of the first VIOS. The CA OS establishes the VIOS as a cluster-aware VIOS by registering the first VIOS with a VIOS cluster comprising a second VIOS. Registering the first VIOS to the VIOS cluster enables the first VIOS to receive VIOS cluster configuration data and status data, which provides the first VIOS with information about the other VIOSes within the VIOS cluster. The first VIOS is thus able to communicate with other VIOSes within the VIOS cluster and share I/O resources with the other VIOSes within the VIOS cluster. Relevant cluster information is stored within a local storage of the first VIOS.

Utilizing multiple memory pools during mobility operations

A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for performing a logical partition migration utilizing multiple paths. Responsive to a virtual machine monitor initiating a logical partition migration operation to move a logical partition from a source system to a destination system, the mechanism allocates a plurality of memory pools and a plurality of threads from a mover service partition to the virtual machine monitor. The virtual machine monitor performs the logical partition migration operation utilizing each of the plurality of threads to transfer a corresponding one of the plurality of memory pools from the source system to the destination system to effect the logical partition migration operation.

Mechanism for NPIV client recovery when NPIV server goes down

With N_Port ID Virtualization (NPIV), a managed system can be configured so that multiple logical partitions (LPARs) can access independent physical storage through the same physical fiber channel adapter. An NPIV client recovery component of a virtualization management component, such as a Power Hypervisor (pHYP), provides the emulation mapping between server and client virtual fiber channel adapters. The pHYP also provides a mechanism that prevents client partition crashes when the NPIV server (e.g., a VIOS logical partition) goes down. When the NPIV server is rebooted or powers down, the pHYP handles the client LPARs to avoid a crash by removing processing resources from the client logical partition. Thereby, the client logical partition is prevented from attempting to access a root volume group in physical storage via the NPIV server. The pHYP allocates processor resources to the client LPAR when the NPIV server is again available for I/O processing.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SERVER LOAD SHARING BASED ON FOREIGN PORT DISTRIBUTION

A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for handling requests in a data processing system. A plurality of processes is provided to handle the requests. Each of the plurality of processes is assigned to handle requests from a subset of foreign ports within a plurality of foreign ports such that a set of foreign ports assigned to a process is unique with respect to other subsets of foreign ports within the plurality of foreign ports. A foreign port is identified in a request in response to receiving the request. The request is sent to a process assigned the subset of foreign ports having a match to the foreign port in the request, wherein the process handles the request.

Method and apparatus for obtaining addresses for multiple interfaces in a device

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for obtaining addresses for multiple interfaces in a device. The method comprises generating a message and transmitting the message to a server over a communication link. The message includes a request for a server to provide a first address to assign to a first interface of a client device and a second address to assign to a second interface of the client device. The method further comprises receiving a response from the server configuring at least one of the first interface and second interface based on the response received from the server. The response includes the first address and the second address.

Virtual machine updates

Various systems, processes, and products may be used to update virtual machines. In particular implementations, a system, process, and product for updating virtual machines may include the ability to determine whether a change to a portion of an operating system for a virtual machine is available and identify a virtual machine using the operating system. The system, process, and product may also include the ability to determine when the virtual machine is modifiable and update the portion of the operating system for the virtual machine when it is modifiable.

Apparatus and method of using XML documents to perform network protocol simulation

A method, system and apparatus for performing network protocol simulation using XML document are provided. Network data packets are used to generate an XML document. After analyzing the document, parts of the document are then changed to simulate changes to the data packets.

Selective processing of application permissions

An application permissions processing system and method for processing application permission requests is provided. The method includes the steps of detecting that an application has been downloaded to a computing system, receiving one or more permission requests from the application for resources located on the computing system, determining that at least one of the one or more permission requests is a required permission of the application, prompting the user to decide the one or more permission requests, receiving a denial of the required permission from the user, in response to the prompting, and responding to the application by providing spoofed resources to the application to satisfy the required permission of the application.

Migration of a logical partition or virtual machine with inactive input/output hosting server

Embodiments disclose techniques for migrating a logical partition from a source computing system with an inactive I/O server to another target computing system. In one embodiment, a computing system collects and stores the resource configuration of the logical partition, upon detecting a change in a resource configuration of a logical partition on the source computing system. Once the computing system detects that a I/O server on the source computing system is inactive for a migration of the logical partition, the computing system uses the collected resource configuration to configure the logical partition on the target computing system.

Method, system and article for improved TCP performance during packet reordering

TCP congestion avoidance is implemented upon retransmission of a packet and is reverted back to the original congestion state upon receipt of an early acknowledgement (ACK), indicating reordering of packets, thereby eliminating a needless restriction on TCP bandwidth. Upon receiving an ACK to a retransmitted packet, it is determined if the ACK resulted from receipt of the original reordered packet or the retransmitted packet, based on the arrival time of the ACK at the sender. If the round-trip-time (RTT) for the retransmitted packet is much lower than the average or current calculated RTT for the network link between sender and receiver, then the retransmission occurred as a result of a reordering event, and the congestion window is restored back to its value prior to the retransmission, thereby permitting the network link to continue operating at its original increased throughput.

Managing Workload Optimized Systems using Relational Database Modeling and Triggers

Relational database modeling and triggers are employed and coordinated to maintain and manage tunable parameters and characteristics of a Workload Optimized System. The database model is initialized with pre-defined values as per definition of Workload Optimized Systems, which models the optimal configuration of the workload-optimized system, capturing various performance configurations, security and other related system and software configuration. The values present the optimal values for the entire solution. A daemon is run to monitor for changes in the tunable configuration settings, which also updates the current values of the configuration parameters on the RDBMS. SQL Triggers are implemented on the database to identify cases where corrective actions are required to the configuration parameters.

Method for sending telephone message tag from calling party to recipient

A method and apparatus is provided for enabling a telephone caller to generate a brief message for transmission to an intended call recipient, as part of the initial procedure of setting up a phone call between the caller and recipient. The message is sent and displayed or otherwise made available to the recipient before the recipient is required to answer the call. The message could comprise a sequence of alphanumeric characters that conveyed an abbreviated message, or otherwise indicates the purpose to the call to the recipient or provides other information. Respective characters could be transmitted as corresponding sequences of binary tones sent to the call recipient between telephone rings.

Method and apparatus for managing a remote data processing system

A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for providing host information. A request is received for host information for a remote computer from a requester wherein the request includes one of a host name or an Internet Protocol address. The host information is received from a requester. A media access control address and a subnet mask is identified using the request, and a response is returned to the requester, wherein the response includes the media access control address and the subnet mask.

Mobility operation resource allocation

According to one aspect of the present disclosure a system and technique for mobility operation resource allocation is disclosed. The system includes a first machine having a running application, and a management console operable to manage migrating the running application from the first machine to a second machine. The management console is operable to: display an interface indicating a plurality of selectable mobility settings, each mobility setting corresponding to a desired resource allocation to utilize for the migration; receive via the interface, a selection of a mobility setting to apply for migrating the running application; and initiate migration of the running application from the first machine to the second machine utilizing resources as set by the selected mobility setting.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A FIBRE CHANNEL N-PORT ID VIRTUALIZATION PROTOCOL

Disclosed is a computer implemented method, data processing system and computer program product to discover an SCSI target. The method comprises a client adapter transmitting an N_port ID virtualization (NPIV) login to a virtual I/O server (VIOS). The client adapter receives a successful login acknowledgement from the VIOS and issues a discover-targets command to the fabric. Upon determining that the SCSI target information is received, wherein the SCSI target information includes at least one SCSI identifier. Responsive a determination that SCSI target information is received the client adapter issues a port login to a target port, wherein the target port is associated with the at least one SCSI target. The client adapter makes a process login to form an initiator/target nexus between a client and at least one SCSI target. The client adapter queries the SCSI target by using a world wide port name associated with the target port.

Apparatus and method for dynamic sharing of server network interface resources

An apparatus and method for dynamic sharing of server network interface resources are provided. With the apparatus and method, when a master application server detects a heavy load condition on one or more network interfaces associated with the server computing device, the master application server spawns additional slave application subservers. The network interfaces are distributed across the slave application subservers and are bound to the network interfaces to which they are associated. The master application server continues to listen for traffic on a standard port of all network interfaces. When a new communication connection request is received via a port associated with a network interface, the slave application subserver associated with the network interface will first process the new communication connection request without having to have the master application server route the data packet to the slave application subserver.

Method and tool to overcome VIOS configuration validation and restoration failure due to DRC name mismatch

In a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) partition, a method comprises a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) of a VIOS partition performing the functions of: responsive to a restore command: retrieving a configuration backup file from storage; comparing a DRC name from the retrieved file with a DRC name of the current VIOS partition performing the restore operation; in response to an occurrence of a DRC name mismatch: retrieving an initial UUID of the VIOS from the configuration backup file; accessing a UUID table within a management tool; locating a matching UUID to the initial UUID within the UUID table; and in response to locating the matching UUID: verifying that the configuration data file belongs to the current VIOS initiating the restore operation; and performing the restore operation to restore the configurations of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the first VIOS to an earlier configuration state.

Method, system and article for improved TCP performance during packet reordering

TCP congestion avoidance is implemented upon retransmission of a packet and is reverted back to the original congestion state upon receipt of an early acknowledgement (ACK), indicating reordering of packets, thereby eliminating a needless restriction on TCP bandwidth. Upon receiving an ACK to a retransmitted packet, it is determined if the ACK resulted from receipt of the original reordered packet or the retransmitted packet, based on the arrival time of the ACK at the sender. If the round-trip-time (RTT) for the retransmitted packet is much lower than the average or current calculated RTT for the network link between sender and receiver, then the retransmission occurred as a result of a reordering event, and the congestion window is restored back to its value prior to the retransmission, thereby permitting the network link to continue operating at its original increased throughput.

Virtualizing storage for WPAR clients using node port ID virtualization

Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different virtual port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage connected to the VIOS.

Method and apparatus for managing keepalive transmissions

A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing keepalive transmissions. A keepalive packet is received from a remote data processing over a particular connection within a set of connections to the remote data processing system. Timers for each of the set of connections are reset in response to receiving a response to a keepalive packet from the remote data processing system such that only a single keepalive packet is required to maintain all of the plurality of connections with the remote data processing system. In this manner, the number of requests and responses with respect to whether a connection is active is minimized, reducing congestion in a network data processing system.

Apparatus and method of splitting a data stream over multiple transport control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) connections

A method, system and apparatus for improving data transfer rate over a network are provided. When a piece of data is to be transmitted to a target system, it is divided into a number of packets and a determination is made as to whether the number of packets exceeds a threshold number. If so, the packets are transferred in parallel over a plurality of network connections. The ideal network connections are TCP/IP connections. Thus, each packet has an IP header, which contains an IP identification field. An indicium is placed into the IP identification field for proper reconstruction of the data by the target system.

Method for Moving Operating Systems Between Computer Electronic Complexes Without Loss of Service

A system and method for migrating a client partition between computer electronic complexes (CECs) while maintaining access to a Storage Area Network. An active and inactive world wide port name are generated for a client virtual channel adapter. A query is sent to a name server from the VIOS on the source CEC. The name server creates a list of small computer system interface (SCSI) targets that are available. The list is used by the VIOS on the destination CEC to verify whether any physical ports in the destination CEC have access to the same SCSI target. The client partition may be migrated between a source CEC and a destination CEC and the access to the Storage Area Network access may be maintained.

Virtualizing storage for WPAR clients

Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different virtual port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage connected to the VIOS.

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO PERFORM SEGMENTATION OFF-LOAD BETWEEN TWO LOGICAL PARTITIONS

A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for virtual segmentation off-load in a logically partitioned data processing system. A data transmission protocol stack formats a data message for segmentation off-load to form a virtual segmentation off-load package. The size of the data message is larger than a size of a maximum transmission unit. A partition manager firmware copies the virtual segmentation off-load package from a first logical partition to a virtual Ethernet adapter associated with a second logical partition. The virtual segmentation off-load package is copied without performing a segmentation operation on the data message associated with the virtual segmentation off-load package.

Accessing data processing systems behind a NAT enabled network

A NAT data processing system is located behind a NAT enabled network with a NAT device as a gateway to the NAT enabled network. A client system located outside the NAT enabled network queries the NAT device for the address of the NAT data processing system located behind the NAT enabled network. The query is automatically routed through the NAT device to a DNS server. The DNS server returns an address for the NAT data processing system and source routing for the NAT device. The NAT device forwards the address and source routing to the client system. The client system sends packets to the NAT data processing system at the address with source routing through the NAT device, such that the NAT data processing system behind the NAT enabled network is directly accessed by the client system from outside the NAT enabled network.

Method and System for Providing Multiple Paths to User Data Stored on a SCSI disk

A method and system for providing multiple input/output paths for accessing storage devices includes providing two or more logical paths between a virtual I/O client partition and a storage device and establishing a physical path between the virtual I/O client partition and the storage device by assigning the storage device to a first logical path of the two or more logical paths. The method further includes reestablishing the physical path by dynamically assigning the storage device to a second logical path of the two or more logical paths in an event of unavailability of the first logical path.

USE OF A SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT TOOL TO MANAGE AN INTEGRATED SOLUTION APPLIANCE

An embodiment of the invention comprises a method for use with an integrated solution appliance under control of a management tool, the appliance having at least a console and a plurality of servers. The method includes providing the management tool with a CAM configured to participate in managing the appliance when used to implement a deployed solution. The CAM is furnished with a CTM for use in acquiring appliance level information, which includes specified metadata pertaining to each server. The CAM is also furnished with a COM, wherein the COM is operable to interact with components of the management tool, and is further operable to use information acquired by the CTM to selectively modify one or more commands issued by the management tool, which respectively affect operation of the appliance.

Method, system and article for rapid detection and avoidance of high data corrupting routes within a network

A receiving host in a TCP/IP network sends an acknowledgment indicating a received data packet is corrupt. The sending host will begin transmitting with a new field set in the IP header called a check-TCP-checksum bit, thereby requesting that all routers in the TCP/IP network perform a checksum on the entire received packet. Routers in the TCP/IP network will perform a complete checksum on an entire packet with the check-TCP-checksum bit set, and not just on the IP header. The routers continuously monitor the ratio of corrupt packets received on a particular port that fail the entire packet checksum to the total number of packets received on that port. If the ratio of corrupt-to-received packets exceeds a corruption threshold, the router assumes that the associated link is causing data corruption and issues a routing update indicating that the link is bad and should be avoided. Once the retransmission rate between the sender and receiver drops below a threshold level, the bad link has been ...

Method and apparatus for server load sharing based on foreign port distribution

A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for handling requests in a data processing system. A plurality of processes is provided to handle the requests. Each of the plurality of processes is assigned to handle requests from a subset of foreign ports within a plurality of foreign ports such that a set of foreign ports assigned to a process is unique with respect to other subsets of foreign ports within the plurality of foreign ports. A foreign port is identified in a request in response to receiving the request. The request is sent to a process assigned the subset of foreign ports having a match to the foreign port in the request, wherein the process handles the request.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING REMOTE MODULE ON VIOS TO MANAGE BACKUPS TO REMOTE BACKUP SERVERS

A system, method, and program product is provided that receives a backup request at a virtual input/output server (VIOS) from a client of the VIOS. The backup request corresponds to a virtual nonvolatile storage that is used by the client. The VIOS retrieves data from the nonvolatile storage device where the virtual nonvolatile storage is stored. The VIOS transmits the retrieved data to a backup server via a computer network, such as the Internet. In one embodiment, a backup software application runs on the VIOS client and a backup proxy software application runs on the VIOS.

Systems and Methods for Entitlement of Virtual Real Memory for Applications

Systems, methods and media for dynamic reallocation of memory to an application, the memory from a pool of virtual real memory allocated to a virtual client that executes the application are disclosed. In one embodiment, a virtual client is allocated a pool of virtual real memory. A subset of this pool of virtual real memory is a block of memory allocated for use by an application. The allocation may be stated as a range of allocated memory with an upper and lower limit. The application calls a kernel service when it thinks it needs a new allocation of memory. The new allocation is established by a power hypervisor connected to the virtual client. Memory is exported by way of a Paging Space Partition.

Method and apparatus for a fibre channel N-port ID virtualization protocol

Disclosed is a computer implemented method, data processing system and computer program product to discover an SCSI target. The method comprises a client adapter transmitting an N_port ID virtualization (NPIV) login to a virtual I/O server (VIOS). The client adapter receives a successful login acknowledgement from the VIOS and issues a discover-targets command to the fabric. Upon determining that the SCSI target information is received, wherein the SCSI target information includes at least one SCSI identifier. Responsive a determination that SCSI target information is received the client adapter issues a port login to a target port, wherein the target port is associated with the at least one SCSI target. The client adapter makes a process login to form an initiator/target nexus between a client and at least one SCSI target. The client adapter queries the SCSI target by using a world wide port name associated with the target port.

METHOD, SYSTEM AND ARTICLE FOR IMPROVED TCP PERFORMANCE DURING PACKET REORDERING

TCP congestion avoidance is implemented upon retransmission of a packet and is reverted back to the original congestion state upon receipt of an early acknowledgement (ACK), indicating reordering of packets, thereby eliminating a needless restriction on TCP bandwidth. Upon receiving an ACK to a retransmitted packet, it is determined if the ACK resulted from receipt of the original reordered packet or the retransmitted packet, based on the arrival time of the ACK at the sender. If the round-trip-time (RTT) for the retransmitted packet is much lower than the average or current calculated RTT for the network link between sender and receiver, then the retransmission occurred as a result of a reordering event, and the congestion window is restored back to its value prior to the retransmission, thereby permitting the network link to continue operating at its original increased throughput.

Method and apparatus for a secure network install

A method, an apparatus, and computer instructions are provided for a secure network install. One aspect of the present invention provides a proxy server within the same subnet of the client for performing a lookup of the boot image file and downloading the boot image file from a boot file server in a secure manner. The client in turn downloads the file from the proxy TFTP server. Another aspect of the present invention modifies the client remote boot code to include a secure boot file download discovery (SBDD) mode. The client starts the SBDD mode by sending a request for a boot image file to a subnet broadcast address and port, which is listened by a proxy TFTP server. The proxy TFTP server receives the client request and downloads the boot image file. The client in turn downloads the boot image file from the proxy TFTP server.

Apparatus and method of diagnosing network protocol errors using XML documents

A method, system and apparatus for diagnosing network protocol errors using an XML document are provided. Data packet exchanges are captured and used to generate an XML document. In one embodiment, the XML document is passed through parser to diagnose the errors. In another embodiment, the network protocol errors are diagnosed by visually inspecting the XML document.

Method and apparatus to perform segmentation off-load between two logical partitions

A method for virtual segmentation off-load in a logically partitioned data processing system is provided. A data transmission protocol stack formats a data message for segmentation off-load to form a virtual segmentation off-load package. The size of the data message is larger than a size of a maximum transmission unit. A partition manager firmware copies the virtual segmentation off-load package from a first logical partition to a virtual Ethernet adapter associated with a second logical partition. The virtual segmentation off-load package is copied without performing a segmentation operation on the data message associated with the virtual segmentation off-load package.

Efficient backup and restore of a cluster aware virtual input/output server (VIOS) within a VIOS cluster

In a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) partition within a data processing system that comprises cluster-aware VIOSes, the system provides the functions of: performing, via a backup/restore utility of a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) executing on a processor resource of the first VIOS partition, a backup operation on the first VIOS partition, which creates a first configuration backup file having configuration information about the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the VIOS partition; storing the configuration backup file within local storage; and responsive to receipt of a VIOS restore command: retrieving the configuration backup file from the local storage; and restoring the configuration of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the first VIOS to a state that existed at a time at which the backup operation creating the configuration backup file was performed.

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL FOR VIRTUAL INPUT/OUTPUT SERVER (VIOS) CLUSTER COMMUNICATION

A first Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) of a VIOS cluster performs the functions of: generating, at a sending daemon of the first VIOS, a send message that is to be transmitted to a receiving daemon at a second VIOS; in response to completion of the generating of the send message, forwarding the send message to a sending virtual small computer systems interface (vscsi) kernel extension (VKE) via a system call interface; and in response to the sending VKE receiving the send message from the sending daemon, forwarding the send message to one or more second VIOSes within the VIOS cluster utilizing a kcluster interface. The sending VKE parses at least one of a message header and a sub-header of the send message; and responsive to detection of a broadcast setting for the send message, the VKE forwards the send message to all nodes within the cluster via a cluster broadcast. 1. In a data processing system having one or more computing electronic complexes (CECs) that comprise a plurality of virtual input/output (I/O) servers (VIOSes) configured within a VIOS cluster , which has an associated VIOS database (DB) and in which each VIOS provides I/O resources to one or more logical partitions (LPARs) executing within the one or more CECs , a first VIOS of the VIOS cluster performing a method comprising:generating, at a sending daemon of the first VIOS, a send message that is to be transmitted to a receiving daemon at a second VIOS;in response to completion of the generating of the send message, forwarding the send message to a sending virtual small computer systems interface (vscsi) kernel extension (VKE) via a system call interface; andin response to the sending VKE receiving the send message from the sending daemon, forwarding the send message to one or more second VIOSes within the VIOS cluster utilizing a kcluster interface.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the generating of the send message comprises:providing a header for the send message, wherein the header includes ...

System and method for dynamically altering connections in a data processing network

A data processing network and system in which a network connection is enabled to migrate among a multitude of available servers and/or clients to provide the connection using the most efficient available set of resources. Typically a server and client would indicate their respective support of this connection migration feature when the connection is established. An operating system or application program would monitor existing connections for characteristics including basic functionality and performance. If an existing connection were found to be faulty or low performing and the client and sever associated with the connection supported connection migration, the software would then determine if an alternative and more effective connection existed. Upon discovering such a connection, the parameters that define the connection would be altered to migrate the connection to the preferred hardware. In an embodiment in which the network connections are established with a transmission control protocol ...

Method and system for providing subgroup conversation during a teleconference

A method and system for providing subgroup conversation during a teleconference enables side conversations during a virtual meeting. A passcode is used by parties to join the subgroup conversation, so that privacy of the subgroup is maintained. Alternatively, an administrator may set up subgroups and either join or invite members, who may toggle between the main teleconference and a subgroup teleconference using a standardized user input. The system may be implemented in any telephone network and across telephone networks such as public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), wireless networks, voice over Internet protocol networks and/or private branch exchanges (PBXs).

SUPPORTING CLUSTER LEVEL SYSTEM DUMPS IN A CLUSTER ENVIRONMENT

A method, system, and computer program product provides simultaneous debugging of multiple OS image and/or system dump pairs in a distributed storage repository. A management console receives a terminal debugging session request and a cluster selection from an interface and starts a debugger instance. The debugger instance autonomously identifies client LPARs and loads the system dump images assigned to the client LPARs. In response to receiving a selection of a first and second client LPARs, the debugger analyzes the first and second system dump images, respectively, and calculates relational information between the first analysis and the second analysis via one or more logical reasoning utilities of the management console. The debugger then loads the relational information to the management console interface with an analysis of one or more similarities between the first and second system dumps.

Method and system for recovering DHCP data

A system in which a DHCP server executes a recovery routine after detecting a corrupted IP address state database. The routine determines whether an IP address is assigned to a DHCP client by querying an IP address/port reserved for DHCP clients. If the response suggests the absence of a DHCP client, the address is marked as BAD. If the response suggests the presence of a DHCP client, the IP database is updated appropriately. The query may comprise sending a TCP/IP packet to the IP address and port and monitoring for an ICMP error message. In another embodiment requiring a protocol extension, the DHCP server issues a DHCP supported query to each IP address that responds to a ping command. The DHCP clients supporting this protocol extension will respond to the query by returning all of the DHCP configuration information that was acquired before the IP address state database crashed.

Method, system, and machine-readable medium for securely maintaining communications network connection data

A method, system, and machine-readable medium for securely maintaining communications network connection data is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed according to which a user is prompted for network element address substitution data which specifies a substitute network element address for a network element address associated with a network element of a first communications network. The network element address substitution data is then stored within a first storage element, wherein access to the first storage element outside of the first communications network is restricted. Connection monitor data associated with the first communications network is processed utilizing the network element address substitution data. According to the described embodiment, such connection monitor data processing includes identifying metadata of the connection monitor data which specifies the described network element address, and substituting the metadata with metadata which specifies ...

Method for multicast tunneling for mobile devices

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for multicast tunneling for mobile devices. The method comprises receiving a multicast packet directed to a plurality of mobile nodes, the mobile nodes being associated with a home subnet and identifying if any of the plurality of the mobile nodes are coupled to a subnet other than the home subnet, wherein each of the identified mobile nodes has an associated transmission path through which that mobile node can be reached. The method further provides that in response to determining that at least some of the mobile nodes are coupled to the subnet other than the home subnet, determining which of the identified mobile nodes has a common next hop in their associated transmission path and generating a packet including at least a portion of the multicast packet and including in the packet a list of mobile nodes that have the common next hop. The method further provides for transmitting the generated packet to the common next hop.

METHOD AND TOOL TO OVERCOME VIOS CONFIGURATION VALIDATION AND RESTORATION FAILURE DUE TO DRC NAME MISMATCH

In a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) partition, a method comprises a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) of a VIOS partition performing the functions of: responsive to a restore command: retrieving a configuration backup file from storage; comparing a DRC name from the retrieved file with a DRC name of the current VIOS partition performing the restore operation; in response to an occurrence of a DRC name mismatch: retrieving an initial UUID of the VIOS from the configuration backup file; accessing a UUID table within a management tool; locating a matching UUID to the initial UUID within the UUID table; and in response to locating the matching UUID: verifying that the configuration data file belongs to the current VIOS initiating the restore operation; and performing the restore operation to restore the configurations of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the first VIOS to an earlier configuration state. 1. In a data processing system having a processor , a memory coupled to the processor , at least one input/output (I/O) adapter that enables connection to an external network with a shared storage repository , and a virtualization management component executing within the data processing system to generate a plurality of operating system (OS) partitions including a first virtual I/O server (VIOS) partition of multiple VIOS partitions communicatively coupled to create a VIOS cluster , a method comprising: retrieving the configuration backup file from a local storage;', 'comparing a DRC name retrieved from the retrieved configuration backup file with a current DRC name associated with the VIOS partition in which the OS instance is executing; and, 'responsive to receipt of a VIOS restore command at a first VIOS within the VIOS cluster retrieving an initial UUID of the VIOS from within the configuration backup file;', 'accessing a UUID table within a management tool;', 'locating a matching UUID to the initial UUID within the UUID table; and', ...

Apparatus and method of splitting a data stream over multiple transport control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) connections

A method, system and apparatus for improving data transfer rate over a network are provided. When a piece of data is to be transmitted to a target system, it is divided into a number of packets and a determination is made as to whether the number of packets exceeds a threshold number. If so, the packets are transferred in parallel over a plurality of network connections. The ideal network connections are TCP/IP connections. Thus, each packet has an IP header, which contains an IP identification field. An indicium is placed into the IP identification field for proper reconstruction of the data by the target system.

Method and apparatus for a secure network install

A method, an apparatus, and computer instructions are provided for a secure network install. One aspect of the present invention provides a proxy server within the same subnet of the client for performing a lookup of the boot image file and downloading the boot image file from a boot file server in a secure manner. The client in turn downloads the file from the proxy TFTP server. Another aspect of the present invention modifies the client remote boot code to include a secure boot file download discovery (SBDD) mode. The client starts the SBDD mode by sending a request for a boot image file to a subnet broadcast address and port, which is listened by a proxy TFTP server. The proxy TFTP server receives the client request and downloads the boot image file. The client in turn downloads the boot image file from the proxy TFTP server.

Address resolution protocol change enabling load-balancing for TCP-DCR implementations

Data processing systems, computer implemented methods, and computer program products are provided for updating an address resolution protocol table. Updates received for the address resolution protocol table are comprised of an internet protocol address, a media access control address, and a unique identifier.

Apparatus and method of allowing multiple partitions of a partitioned computer system to use a single network adapter

A method, system and apparatus for allowing a single network adapter to be used by a plurality of partitions of a logically partitioned computer system (LPAR) are provided. Each partition assigns a different IP address to the network adapater. The different IP addresses are stored in a table. The table cross-references each IP address with its partition. When a piece of data is received by the computer system, the data is examined to find out the IP address associated with the data. Once done, the table is consulted to determine to which one of the plurality of partitions the data is to be forwarded. The data is then forwarded to the partition.

Systems and Methods For Virtualizing Storage For WPAR Clients Using Node Port ID Virtualization

Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different virtual port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage connected to the VIOS.

METHOD FOR ADJUSTING MSS OR PACKETS SENT TO A BRIDGE DEVICE POSITIONED BETWEEN VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL LANS

A method and apparatus are provided for use with a SEA or other bridge device, which is positioned between virtual and physical LANS and is adapted to monitor connection setup packets. If the SEA detects such a packet, it determines whether it can accommodate the MSS value listed in the packet. In one embodiment, a method is provided for implementation by a bridge device positioned to transfer data packets between a specified LPAR system arid a specified host. The method comprises the step of detecting a packet that is transmitted to the bridge device, in order to set up a connection between the LPAR system and the host. The method further comprises determining whether the detected packet indicates an initial MSS value for the connection that is greater than a prespecified MSS value. Upon determining that the detected packet indicates an initial MSS value that exceeds the prespecified MSS value, the packet is altered to establish the prespecified MSS value as the MSS value for the connection ...

ALTERNATIVE TRANSFER OF LOGICAL PARTITIONS (LPAR) FROM ONE LPAR COMPUTER SYSTEM TO ANOTHER

An alternative migration of an LPAR from one server system to another when either or both of the server systems cannot access a Storage Area Network (SAN) or like external storage network. If said source and destination server system do not have access to the same SAN, then a mirror image of said all data storage supporting the transferred LPAR is created and transmitted to local storage supporting the destination server system and then the logical partition (LPAR) is transmitted over the connecting network from the source server system to the destination server system. 1. A method for transferring a logical partition (LPAR) from a source server controlled computer system to a destination server controlled computer system over a connecting network comprising:determining if said source server system and said destination server system have access to the same storage area network (SAN); transmitting a logical partition (LPAR) over said connecting network from said source server system to said destination server system, and', 'transmitting all data storage supporting said LPAR from said source server system to said destination server system over said SAN;, 'if said source and destination server system have access to the same SAN, then creating a mirror image of said all data storage supporting said LPAR,', 'transmitting said mirror image of said all data storage supporting said LPAR to local storage supporting said destination server system, and', 'transmitting a logical partition (LPAR) over said connecting network from said source server system to said destination server system., 'if said source and destination server system do not have access to the same SAN, then2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:said LPAR is transmitted over said connecting network using iSCSI protocols; andsaid mirror image of all data storage supporting said LPAR is transmitted over a network using iSCSI protocols.3. The method of claim 2 , further including the step claim 2 , prior to the ...

AUTONOMOUS PROPAGATION OF VIRTUAL INPUT/OUTPUT (VIO) OPERATION(S) TO SECOND VIO SERVER (VIOS) DUE TO A DETECTED ERROR CONDITION AT A FIRST VIOS

A method provides input/output (I/O) redundancy within a data processing system having (a) a client logical partition (LPAR) that generates and consumes I/O requests, (b) a plurality of virtual input/output servers (VIOS) that are communicatively inter-connected with each other to form a VIOS cluster and which include virtual I/O adapters for connecting to a fabric that provides access to a block storage. In one embodiment, a first VIOS receives an I/O request from the client LPAR. The first VIOS detects that a problem exists with a fabric connection to the block storage, and the first VIOS responds to the detected connection problem by autonomously propagating the I/O request to a second VIOS to which the first VIOS is connected. Forwarding of the I/O request to the block storage is subsequently completed by the second VIOS. 1. In a data processing system having (a) a client logical partition (LPAR) that generates and consumes input/output (I/O) requests , (b) a plurality of virtual input/output servers (VIOS) that are communicatively inter-connected with each other to form a VIOS cluster and which include virtual I/O adapters for connecting to a fabric that provides access to a block storage , a method comprising:a first VIOS receiving an I/O request from the client LPAR;detecting that a problem exists with a communication connection to the block storage; andin response to detecting that the problem exists, autonomously propagating the I/O request to a second VIOS to which the first VIOS is connected within the VIOS cluster, wherein forwarding of the I/O request to the block storage is completed by the second VIOS.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:receiving an I/O response from the second VIOS;identifying that the I/O response is associated with the I/O request that was propagated to the second VIOS; andin response to the I/O response being associated with the I/O request, forwarding the I/O response to the client LPAR.3. The method of claim 1 , ...

Cluster-aware virtual input/output server

In a data processing system having a plurality of virtualized operating system (OS) partitions, a first cluster-aware virtual input/output server (VIOS) is provided within an OS partition by execution of a cluster-aware (CA) OS on a virtual processor resource of the first VIOS. The CA OS establishes the VIOS as a cluster-aware VIOS by registering the first VIOS with a VIOS cluster comprising a second VIOS. Registering the first VIOS to the VIOS cluster enables the first VIOS to receive VIOS cluster configuration data and status data, which provides the first VIOS with information about the other VIOSes within the VIOS cluster. The first VIOS is thus able to communicate with other VIOSes within the VIOS cluster and share I/O resources with the other VIOSes within the VIOS cluster. Relevant cluster information is stored within a local storage of the first VIOS.

Mechanism for NPIV Client Recovery When NPIV Server Goes Down

With N_Port ID Virtualization (NPIV), a managed system can be configured so that multiple logical partitions (LPARs) can access independent physical storage through the same physical fibre channel adapter. An NPIV client recovery component of a virtualization management component, such as a Power Hypervisor (pHYP), provides the emulation mapping between server and client virtual fibre channel adapters. The pHYP also provides a mechanism that prevents client partition crashes when the NPIV server (e.g., a VIOS logical partition) goes down. When the NPIV server is rebooted or powers down, the pHYP handles the client LPARs to avoid a crash by removing processing resources from the client logical partition. Thereby, the client logical partition is prevented from attempting to access a root volume group in physical storage via the NPIV server. The pHYP allocates processor resources to the client LPAR when the NPIV server is again available for UO processing. 1. A computer implemented method comprising:abstracting hardware resources to an operating system of a client logical partition;pairing a client virtual input/output adapter of the client logical partition and a server virtual input/output adaptor of a virtual input/output server partition;dispatching a virtual process of the operating system of the client logical partition to the hardware resources for processing;detecting an event that interrupts processing of the virtual input/output server partition;in response to detecting an event that interrupts processing of the virtual I/O server partition, discontinuing dispatch of the virtual process of the operating system of the client logical partition to the hardware resources for processing to prevent the client from attempting to utilize the virtual input/output adapter;detecting an end of the event that interrupts processing of the virtual input/output server partition; andin response to the detecting of the end of the event, resuming dispatching of the virtual ...

Operating System Image Management

In a data processing system including multiple logical partitions (LPARs), an application executes on a first logical partition (LPAR) of the multiple LPARs, where the application uses a first operation system stored in a first memory partition of a shared pool memory of the data processing system. A virtualization management component (a) initiates an update process that quiesces operations of the first LPAR, (b) pages in, via a virtual input/output server coupled to a first paging device, a first image of a second operating system from the first paging device to the shared pool memory; (c) changes one or more pointers associated with the application to point to one or more portions of the second operating system, such that the application uses the second operating system, when resumed; and (b) resumes execution the application. 1. In a data processing system including: a processor , a memory coupled to the processor , at least one virtual I/O server (VIOS) that enables communications with a plurality of paging devices , a plurality of logical partitions , and a virtualization management component executing within the data processing system and controlling one or more operations of the plurality of logical partitions , a method comprising:executing, on a first logical partition of the plurality of logical partitions, an application that uses a first operating system stored in a first memory partition of a shared pool memory of the memory coupled to the processor, wherein the first logical partition uses the first memory partition as a first memory of the first logical partition;initiating an update process that quiesces execution of the application;paging in, via the VIOS coupled to a first paging device of the plurality of paging devices, a first image of a second operating system from the first paging device to the shared pool memory;changing one or more pointers associated with the application to point to one or more portions of the second operating system; ...

Efficient Backup and Restore of a Cluster Aware Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) Within a VIOS Cluster

In a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) partition within a data processing system that comprises cluster-aware VIOSes, a method includes: performing, via a backup/restore utility of a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) executing on a processor resource of the first VIOS partition, a backup operation on the first VIOS partition, which creates a first configuration backup file having configuration information about the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the VIOS partition; storing the configuration backup file within local storage; and responsive to receipt of a VIOS restore command: retrieving the configuration backup file from the local storage; and restoring the configuration of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the first VIOS to a state that existed at a time at which the backup operation creating the configuration backup file was performed. 1. In a data processing system having a processor , a memory coupled to the processor , at least one input/output (I/O) adapter that enables connection to an external network with a shared storage repository , and a virtualization management component executing within the data processing system to generate a plurality of operating system (OS) partitions including a first virtual I/O server (VIOS) partition of multiple VIOS partitions communicatively coupled to create a VIOS cluster , a method comprising:performing, via a backup/restore utility of a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) executing on a processor resource of the first VIOS partition, a backup operation on the first VIOS partition, which creates a first configuration backup file having configuration information about the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the first VIOS partition;storing the configuration backup file within local storage;storing a copy of the configuration backup file within a VIOS database (DB) of the VIOS cluster; and retrieving the configuration backup file from the local storage; and', 'restoring the ...

VIOS Cluster Alert Framework

In a data processing system including a virtual I/O server (VIOS) cluster and multiple logical partitions (LPARs), at least one VIOS of the VIOS cluster performs functions of: receiving first registration information from one or more entities within the VIOS cluster; registering, based on the first registration information, a handler associated with a first message type; responsive to receiving second registration information, registering, based on the second registration information, a listener associated with a second message type; receiving a first message associated with a first alert event of the cluster; determining, based on the first message, that the handler is associated with the first message type; and calling the handler. In one embodiment, the handler is associated with a pointer to a subroutine, and registering the handler includes storing the pointer in a data structure that associates the handler with the first message type.

ENFORCING LOGICAL UNIT (LU) PERSISTENT RESERVATIONS UPON A SHARED VIRTUAL STORAGE DEVICE

A method, system, and computer program product utilizes cluster-awareness to effectively maintain and update Persistent Reserve (PR) state data and provide nodes with notification of changes to PR state data within a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) cluster. A Persistent Reserve (PR) utility identifies a database that is accessible to other VIOSes in the cluster, in which database information about the current state of the Persistent Reservation is maintained. The PR utility checks the current Persistent Reserve state in the database to verify whether an initiator of a PR command is allowed to perform the command. If the initiator is allowed to perform the command, the PR utility modifies/updates the Persistent Reserve state in the database to reflect the received Persistent Reserve command. The PR utility updates the initiator's local copy of the modified PR state data and sends a corresponding notification message to other VIOSes in the cluster. 1. In a data processing system having a processor , a memory coupled to the processor , at least one input/output (I/O) adapter that enables connection to an external network with a shared storage repository , and a virtualization management component executing within the data processing system and which generates a plurality of operating system (OS) partitions including a first virtual I/O server (VIOS) partition that operates within a cluster of VIOSes having a shared database , where each VIOS is cluster aware , a method comprising:receiving a Persistent Reserve (PR) command to access a shared database from an initiator VIOS;determining whether an initiator of the PR command is allowed to perform the command; updating PR state data in the shared database to reflect the received PR command;', 'updating a local copy of the updated PR state data, wherein the local copy is associated with the initiator VIOS; and', 'sending a notification message corresponding to the updated PR state data to other VIOSes in the ...

SINGLE POINT, SCALABLE DATA SYNCHRONIZATION FOR MANAGEMENT OF A VIRTUAL INPUT/OUTPUT SERVER CLUSTER

A method, data processing system and computer program product provide scalable data synchronization for a virtual input/output server (VIOS) cluster and one or more registered callers. A first VIOS is commits as a primary node of the VIOS cluster and performs the functions of: registering one or more callers to receive notification from the first VIOS of specific events occurring within the cluster; receiving notification of an occurrence of one of the specific events; and in response to receiving notification of the specific events, a deamon of the first VIOS retrieving a message payload file from a message payload file directory within the shared VIOS DB and passing the message payload file to the API, which forwards/posts the relevant event notification information from the message payload file to the TCP socket of each registered caller. 1. In a data processing system having one or more computing electronic complexes (CECs) that comprise a plurality of virtual input/output (I/O) servers (VIOSes) configured within a VIOS cluster having a shared VIOS database (DB) , wherein each VIOS provides I/O resources to one or more logical partitions (LPARs) executing within the one or more CECs , a first VIOS of the VIOS cluster executing code on a processing resource to perform a method comprising:committing the first VIOS as a primary node of the VIOS cluster;registering one or more callers to receive notification from the first VIOS of specific events occurring within the cluster;receiving notification of an occurrence of one of the specific events; andin response to receiving notification of the occurrence of one of the specific events, automatically forwarding information of the specific event to each of the one or more registered callers.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein registering the one or more callers to receive notification comprises registering a transmission control protocol (TCP) socket of each caller with an application programming interface (API) of the ...

PROVIDING FIRST FIELD DATA CAPTURE IN A VIRTUAL INPUT/OUTPUT SERVER (VIOS) CLUSTER ENVIRONMENT WITH CLUSTER-AWARE VIOSES

A first virtual I/O server (VIOS) provides a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) executing on a processor resource of the first VIOS to register the first VIOS within a VIOS cluster. The first VIOS comprises a first field/failure data capture (FFDC) module that executes within the first VIOS and performs the functions of: receiving from an event listener a signal indicating that an FFFDC event/condition has been detected by the first VIOS; and automatically transmitting FFDC data to the shared storage repository for storage of the FFDC data within the shared storage repository. The FFDC module further performs the functions of: transmitting to one or more second VIOSes within the VIOS cluster, one or more messages to inform the one or more second VIOSes of an occurrence of the FFDC event/condition that was detected by the first VIOS. 1. In a data processing system having: a processor , a memory coupled to the processor , at least one input/output (I/O) adapter that enables connection to an external network and a shared storage repository , a virtualization management component executing within the data processing system to generate a plurality of operating system (OS) partitions including a first virtual I/O server (VIOS) partition , a method comprising:processing a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) via a processor resource of the first VIOS partition to register the first VIOS within a VIOS cluster having one or more second VIOSes and a shared VIOS database;processing a first field/failure data capture (FFDC) module within the first VIOS to performs the functions of: receiving from an event listener a signal indicating that a first field data capture (FFDC) condition has been detected by the first VIOS; and automatically transmitting FFDC data of the FFDC condition to the shared storage repository for storage of the FFDC data within the shared storage repository.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the FFDC module further performs the functions of ...

Management of File Images in a Virtual Environment

A method, system, and computer program product provides effective management and deployment of image files within a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) cluster. An Image Management (IM) utility utilizes a discovery process to establish connections with objects in order to manage these objects. Following discovery of an ICP client, the IM utility enables creation of a virtual server partition and initiates the importing of a captured image to a VIOS cluster Storage Pool (SP). The IM utility creates logical units (LUs) within the Image Management Fileset (IMF) for each file within the captured image. The IM utility maps the LUs to the VIOS Cluster SP using unique image file handles. The IM utility configures the new storage that comprises the created LUs. The IM utility copies image files to the appropriate storage device/LU. When import/copy of the image is completed, the IM utility activates the virtual server partition. 1. In a data processing system having a processor , a memory coupled to the processor , at least one input/output (I/O) adapter that enables connection to an external network with a shared storage repository , and a virtualization management component executing within the data processing system and which generates a plurality of operating system (OS) partitions including a first virtual I/O server (VIOS) partition that operates within a VIOS cluster having a shared VIOS database , a method comprising:deploying an image capture program (ICP) agent from a management server to a first VIOS;discovering, within the VIOS cluster via the ICP agent, one or more of: (a) an image management client; and (b) a virtual storage device;creating a virtual server partition associated with the first VIOS;capturing, from within an image repository within a storage pool, an image having one or more files that can be subsequently imported by the first VIOS to the virtual storage device;importing the captured image to the virtual storage device;deploying the ...

Virtualizing Storage for WPAR Clients Using Node Port ID Virtualization

Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different virtual port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage connected to the VIOS. 1. A system for providing to each of a plurality of Working load Partitions (WPAR) in a server access to physical storage through a Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) of the server , comprising:a server with a processor to execute software to create a logical partition comprising at least one WPAR and a WPAR manager which controls access of each WPAR to the physical storage through virtual ports connected to the VIOS using Node Port Identification Virtualization (NPIV) protocol so that each WPAR has access to its own private memory of the physical storage; andphysical storage connected to the VIOS of the server through a physical adapter.23-. (canceled)4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , within the VIOS claim 1 , a server adapter created by software executed by the processor claim 1 , the server adapter associated with a virtual port identification of the VFC claim 1 , and wherein the server adapter communicates data between the VIOS and a physical adapter coupled to the physical storage.5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an authenticator created by software executed by the processor to authenticate a memory transaction initiated by a WPAR claim 1 , wherein the authenticator is configured to authenticate a key value submitted by a WPAR against stored key values for the at least one WPAR claim 1 , and wherein a data transfer between the WPAR and the physical storage claim 1 , via the virtual port claim 1 , is only performed in response to the ...

Virtualizing Storage for WPAR Clients Using Key Authentication

Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different virtual port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage connected to the VIOS. 1. A system for providing to each of a plurality of Working load Partitions (WPAR) in a server access to physical storage through a Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) of the server , comprising:a server with a processor to execute software to create a logical partition comprising at least one WPAR and a WPAR manager which controls access of each WPAR to the physical storage through virtual ports connected to the VIOS using Node Port Identification Virtualization (NPIV) protocol so that each WPAR has access to its own private memory of the physical storage;physical storage connected to the VIOS of the server through a physical adapter; andan authenticator created by software executed by the processor to authenticate a memory transaction initiated by a WPAR, wherein the authenticator is configured to authenticate a key value submitted by a WPAR against stored key values for the at least one WPAR, and wherein a data transfer between the WPAR and the physical storage, via the virtual port, is only performed in response to the authenticator determining the WPAR to be authentic based on results of the authentication of the key value.23-. (canceled)4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , within the VIOS claim 1 , a server adapter created by software executed by the processor claim 1 , the server adapter associated with a virtual port identification of the VFC claim 1 , and wherein the server adapter communicates data between the VIOS and a physical adapter coupled to ...

Virtualizing Storage for WPAR Clients that Share a Common Operating System of Logical Partition

Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different virtual port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol, between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage-connected to the VIOS. 1. A system for providing to each of a plurality of Working load Partitions (WPAR) in a server access to physical storage through a Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) of the server , comprising:a server with a processor to execute software to create a logical partition comprising at least one WPAR and a WPAR manager which controls access of each WPAR to the physical storage through virtual ports connected to the VIOS using Node Port Identification Virtualization (NPIV) protocol so that each WPAR has access to its own private memory of the physical storage; andphysical storage connected to the VIOS of the server through a physical adapter, wherein the logical partition is divided into multiple WPARs, each of the multiple WPARs and the WPAR manager share a common operating system of the logical partition to perform their corresponding operations.23-. (canceled)4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , within the VIOS claim 1 , a server adapter created by software executed by the processor claim 1 , the server adapter associated with a virtual port identification of the VFC claim 1 , and wherein the server adapter communicates data between the VIOS and a physical adapter coupled to the physical storage.5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an authenticator created by software executed by the processor to authenticate a memory transaction initiated by a WPAR claim 1 , wherein the authenticator is configured to authenticate a key value submitted by a WPAR ...

Efficient Backup and Restore of Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) Cluster

A method enables cluster-level backup and restore functionality of all Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) configuration data within a VIOS cluster and the data of a shared VIOS cluster database. The method comprises: performing, via a backup/restore utility of a VIOS partition, a cluster level backup, which creates a first VIOS cluster configuration backup file having configuration information about hardware, logical and virtual devices of each VIOS partition within a VIOS cluster and all cluster data from the shared VIOS database of the VIOS cluster; storing the VIOS cluster configuration backup file within a storage location; and responsive to receipt of a VIOS restore command at a VIOS partition: retrieving the configuration backup file from the storage location; restoring a configuration of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of each VIOS within the VIOS cluster to prior state; and restoring the shared VIOS database with the backed-up cluster data. 1. In a data processing system having a processor , a memory coupled to the processor , at least one input/output (I/O) adapter that enables connection to an external network with a shared storage repository , and a virtualization management component executing within the data processing system to generate a plurality of operating system (OS) partitions including a first virtual I/O server (VIOS) partition , a method comprising:performing, via a backup/restore utility of a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) executing on a processor resource of the first VIOS partition, a cluster level backup operation from one or more VIOS partitions, including the first VIOS partition and at least one second VIOS partition, wherein the cluster level backup operation creates a first VIOS cluster configuration backup file having configuration information about hardware, logical and virtual devices of each VIOS partition within a VIOS cluster and all cluster data from a shared VIOS database of the VIOS cluster;storing the ...

Fibre channel n-port id virtualization protocol

Disclosed is a computer implemented method, data processing system and computer program product to discover an SCSI target. The method comprises a client adapter transmitting an N_port ID virtualization (NPIV) login to a virtual I/O server (VIOS). The client adapter receives a successful login acknowledgement from the VIOS and issues a discover-targets command to the fabric. Upon determining that the SCSI target information is received, wherein the SCSI target information includes at least one SCSI identifier. Responsive a determination that SCSI target information is received the client adapter issues a port login to a target port, wherein the target port is associated with the at least one SCSI target. The client adapter makes a process login to form an initiator/target nexus between a client and at least one SCSI target. The client adapter queries the SCSI target by using a world wide port name associated with the target port.

Efficient Backup and Restore of a Cluster Aware Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) Within a VIOS Cluster

In a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) partition within a data processing system that comprises cluster-aware VIOSes, a method includes: performing, via a backup/restore utility of a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) executing on a processor resource of the first VIOS partition, a backup operation on the first VIOS partition, which creates a first configuration backup file having configuration information about the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the VIOS partition; storing the configuration backup file within local storage; and responsive to receipt of a VIOS restore command: retrieving the configuration backup file from the local storage; and restoring the configuration of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the first VIOS to a state that existed at a time at which the backup operation creating the configuration backup file was performed. 1. In a data processing system having a processor , a memory coupled to the processor , at least one input/output (I/O) adapter that enables connection to an external network with a shared storage repository , and a virtualization management component executing within the data processing system to generate a plurality of operating system (OS) partitions including a first virtual I/O server (VIOS) partition of multiple VIOS partitions communicatively coupled to create a VIOS cluster , a method comprising:performing, via a backup/restore utility of a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) executing on a processor resource of the first VIOS partition, a backup operation on the first VIOS partition, which creates a first configuration backup file having configuration information about the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the first VIOS partition;storing the configuration backup file within local storage;storing a copy of the configuration backup file within a VIOS database (DB) of the VIOS cluster; and retrieving the configuration backup file from the local storage; and', 'restoring the ...

MOBILITY OPERATION RESOURCE ALLOCATION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method and technique for mobility operation resource allocation is disclosed. The method includes: receiving a request to migrate a running application from a first machine to a second machine; displaying an adjustable resource allocation mobility setting interface indicating a plurality of mobility settings comprising at least one performance-based mobility setting and at least one concurrency-based mobility setting; receiving, via the interface, a selection of a mobility setting defining a resource allocation to utilize for the migration; and migrating the running application from the first machine to the second machine utilizing resources as set by the selected mobility setting.

Utilizing Multiple Memory Pools During Mobility Operations

A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for performing a logical partition migration utilizing multiple paths. Responsive to a virtual machine monitor initiating a logical partition migration operation to move a logical partition from a source system to a destination system, the mechanism allocates a plurality of memory pools and a plurality of threads from a mover service partition to the virtual machine monitor. The virtual machine monitor performs the logical partition migration operation utilizing each of the plurality of threads to transfer a corresponding one of the plurality of memory pools from the source system to the destination system to effect the logical partition migration operation. 110-. (canceled)11. A computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having a computer readable program stored therein , wherein the computer readable program , when executed on a computing device , causes the computing device to:responsive to a virtual machine monitor initiating a logical partition migration operation to move a logical partition from a source system to a destination system, allocate a plurality of memory pools and a plurality of threads from a mover service partition to the virtual machine monitor; andperform, by the virtual machine monitor, the logical partition migration operation, wherein the virtual machine monitor uses each of the plurality of threads to transfer a corresponding one of the plurality of memory pools from the source system to the destination system to effect the logical partition migration operation.12. The computer program product of claim 11 , wherein the virtual machine monitor executes in the source system claim 11 , wherein performing the logical partition migration operation comprises splitting a memory image of the logical partition among the plurality of memory pools.13. The computer program product of claim 12 , wherein the virtual machine monitor transfers each memory pool in order.14. The ...

Utilizing Multiple Memory Pools During Mobility Operations

A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for performing a logical partition migration utilizing multiple paths. Responsive to a virtual machine monitor initiating a logical partition migration operation to move a logical partition from a source system to a destination system, the mechanism allocates a plurality of memory pools and a plurality of threads from a mover service partition to the virtual machine monitor. The virtual machine monitor performs the logical partition migration operation utilizing each of the plurality of threads to transfer a corresponding one of the plurality of memory pools from the source system to the destination system to effect the logical partition migration operation. 1. A method in a data processing system comprising:responsive to a virtual machine monitor initiating a logical partition migration operation to move a logical partition from a source system to a destination system, allocating a plurality of memory pools and a plurality of threads from a mover service partition to the virtual machine monitor; andperforming, by the virtual machine monitor, the logical partition migration operation, wherein the virtual machine monitor uses each of the plurality of threads to transfer a corresponding one of the plurality of memory pools from the source system to the destination system to effect the logical partition migration operation.21. The method of aim , wherein the virtual machine monitor executes in the source system , wherein performing the logical partition migration operation comprises splitting a memory image of the logical partition among the plurality of memory pools.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the virtual machine monitor segments each memory pool into a plurality of buffers and assigns whole memory pages to the plurality of buffers in order.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the virtual machine monitor transfers each memory pool in order.5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the virtual machine monitor transfers ...

Utilizing Multiple Mobile Service Partitions During Mobility Operations

A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for performing a logical partition migration utilizing multiple mover service partition pairs. Responsive to a virtual machine monitor initiating a logical partition migration operation to move a logical partition from a source system to a destination system, the mechanism establishes a plurality of input/output paths between a plurality of mover service partition pairs. The virtual machine monitor performs the logical partition migration operation using the plurality of mover service partition pairs to transfer a memory image of the logical partition from the source system to the destination system to effect the logical partition migration operation. 1. A method in a data processing system comprising:responsive to a virtual machine monitor initiating a logical partition migration operation to move a logical partition from a source system to a destination system, establishing a plurality of input/output paths between a plurality of mover service partition pairs; andperforming, by the virtual machine monitor, the logical partition migration operation, wherein the virtual machine monitor uses the plurality of mover service partition pairs to transfer a memory image of the logical partition from the source system to the destination system to effect the logical partition migration operation.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the virtual machine monitor executes in the source system claim 1 , wherein the plurality of mover service partition pairs comprise a plurality of mover service partitions in the source system.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of mover service partitions in the source system has a respective mover service partition in the destination system.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of mover service partitions in the source system establishes an input/output path with a single mover service partition in the destination system.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein ...

MOBILITY OPERATION RESOURCE ALLOCATION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method and technique for mobility operation resource allocation is disclosed. The method includes: receiving a request to migrate a running application from a first machine to a second machine; displaying an adjustable resource allocation mobility setting interface indicating a plurality of mobility settings comprising at least one performance-based mobility setting and at least one concurrency-based mobility setting; receiving, via the interface, a selection of a mobility setting defining a resource allocation to utilize for the migration; and migrating the running application from the first machine to the second machine utilizing resources as set by the selected mobility setting. 1. A method , comprising:receiving a request to migrate a running instance of an operating system and an application from a first machine to a second machine;displaying an adjustable resource allocation mobility setting interface indicating a plurality of mobility settings comprising at least one performance-based mobility setting and at least one concurrency-based mobility setting;receiving, via the interface, a selection of a mobility setting defining a resource allocation to utilize for the migration; andmigrating the running instance of the operating system and the application from the first machine to the second machine utilizing resources as set by the selected mobility setting.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising negotiating a balance of resource allocations between the first machine and the second machine based on the selected mobility setting.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising identifying a memory resource allocation for the migration based on the selected mobility setting.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising determining processor utilization for the migration based on the selected mobility setting.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:allocating greater memory resources for the performance- ...

MOBILITY OPERATION RESOURCE ALLOCATION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure a system and technique for mobility operation resource allocation is disclosed. The system includes a first machine having a running application, and a management console operable to manage migrating the running application from the first machine to a second machine. The management console is operable to: display an interface indicating a plurality of selectable mobility settings, each mobility setting corresponding to a desired resource allocation to utilize for the migration; receive via the interface, a selection of a mobility setting to apply for migrating the running application; and initiate migration of the running application from the first machine to the second machine utilizing resources as set by the selected mobility setting. 16-. (canceled)7. A system , comprising:a first machine having a running application; display an interface comprising a plurality of selectable mobility settings, each mobility setting corresponding to a desired resource allocation to utilize for the migration;', 'receive, via the interface, a selection of a mobility setting to apply for migrating the running application; and', 'initiate migration of the running application from the first machine to the second machine utilizing resources as set by the selected mobility setting., 'a management console operable to manage migrating the running application from the first machine to a second machine, the management console further operable to8. The system of claim 7 , further comprising at least one virtual input/output server (VIOS) partition operable to negotiate a balance of resource allocations between the first machine and the second machine based on the selected mobility setting.9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the VIOS partition is operable to automatically override the resource allocation indicated by the selected mobility setting in response to identifying unavailable resources on either the first or second machines.10. The ...

Selective processing of application permissions

An application permissions processing system and method for processing application permission requests is provided. The method includes the steps of detecting that an application has been downloaded to a computing system, receiving one or more permission requests from the application for resources located on the computing system, determining that at least one of the one or more permission requests is a required permission of the application, prompting the user to decide the one or more permission requests, receiving a denial of the required permission from the user, in response to the prompting, and responding to the application by providing spoofed resources to the application to satisfy the required permission of the application.

MIGRATION OF A LOGICAL PARTITION OR VIRTUAL MACHINE WITH INACTIVE INPUT/OUTPUT HOSTING SERVER

Embodiments disclose techniques for migrating a logical partition from a source computing system with an inactive I/O server to another target computing system. In one embodiment, a computing system collects and stores the resource configuration of the logical partition, upon detecting a change in a resource configuration of a logical partition on the source computing system. Once the computing system detects that a I/O server on the source computing system is inactive for a migration of the logical partition, the computing system uses the collected resource configuration to configure the logical partition on the target computing system. 1. A method for performing a migration of a logical partition , comprising:upon detecting a change in a resource configuration of a logical partition on a first computing system, collecting the resource configuration of the logical partition, wherein the resource configuration comprises information related to one or more virtual resources allocated to the logical partition;upon detecting that an input/output (I/O) server on the first computing system is inactive for the migration of the logical partition, using the collected resource configuration to configure the logical partition on a second computing system;clearing the resource configuration of the logical partition from a hypervisor in the first computing system during the migration of the logical partition from the first computing system with the inactive I/O server to the second computing system; andafter performing the migration of the logical partition to the second computing system, clearing the resource configuration of the logical partition from the I/O server on the first computing system, upon determining that the I/O server is active.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the change in the resource configuration comprises at least one of a change in a number of virtual adapters allocated to the logical partition or a change in a number of storage devices used by the ...

Redirecting client connection requests among sockets providing a same service

A method, system, and program for redirecting client connection requests among sockets providing a same service are provided. An application requests multiple sockets from a kernel. In addition, the application generates a socket call option to bind the sockets to a particular port number and passes a list of the sockets to the kernel, where the list indicates that the sockets will all provide access to server systems providing the same service. In response, the kernel sets up the sockets, bound to the same port, and set to reference one another. Then, when a connection request is received for a first socket in the list with a queue that is full, the kernel redirects the connection request to a second socket in the list with available queue space. Thus, rather than drop the connection request from the first socket when it lacks available queue space, the connection request is redirected to another socket providing access to the same service.

Communication protocol for virtual input/output server (VIOS) cluster communication

A first Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) of a VIOS cluster performs the functions of: generating, at a sending daemon of the first VIOS, a send message that is to be transmitted to a receiving daemon at a second VIOS; in response to completion of the generating of the send message, forwarding the send message to a sending virtual small computer systems interface (vscsi) kernel extension (VKE) via a system call interface; and in response to the sending VKE receiving the send message from the sending daemon, forwarding the send message to one or more second VIOSes within the VIOS cluster utilizing a kcluster interface. The sending VKE parses at least one of a message header and a sub-header of the send message; and responsive to detection of a broadcast setting for the send message, the VKE forwards the send message to all nodes within the cluster via a cluster broadcast.

Method and apparatus for address resolution protocol persistent in a network data processing system

A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for transferring data in a network data processing system. Data is transferred to a destination in which an address resolution protocol entry is used to transfer this data to the destination. A determination is made as to whether the address resolution protocol entry will expire within a selected threshold while transferring data to the destination. If the address resolution protocol will expire within the selected threshold, the address resolution protocol entry is kept or retained to reduce the interruptions or delays in the transferring of the data.

Efficient backup and restore of a cluster aware virtual input/output server (VIOS) within a VIOS cluster

In a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) partition within a data processing system that comprises cluster-aware VIOSes, a method includes: performing, via a backup/restore utility of a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) executing on a processor resource of the first VIOS partition, a backup operation on the first VIOS partition, which creates a first configuration backup file having configuration information about the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the VIOS partition; storing the configuration backup file within local storage; and responsive to receipt of a VIOS restore command: retrieving the configuration backup file from the local storage; and restoring the configuration of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the first VIOS to a state that existed at a time at which the backup operation creating the configuration backup file was performed.

Protocol definition for software bridge failover

A method, data processing system, and computer usable code are provided for protocol definition for software bridge failover. In a first aspect of the present invention, a first software bridge determines the proper working operation of a physical adapter. Limbo packets are sent to a second software bridge alerting the second software bridge that the first software bridge is no longer bridging traffic responsive to the physical adapter failure in the first software bridge. The second software bridge receives the limbo packets, and, in response to receiving the limbo packets, asserts primary control and initiates bridging of traffic. In an alternative aspect of the present invention a first software bridge sends keep-alive packets. A second software bridge monitors the keep-alive packets from the first software bridge and, in response to a failure to detect the keep-alive packets from the first software bridge, the second software bridge initiates bridging of traffic.

Apparatus and method of allowing multiple partitions of a partitioned computer system to use a single network adapter

A method, system and apparatus for allowing a single network adapter to be used by a plurality of partitions of a logically partitioned computer system (LPAR) are provided. Each partition assigns a different IP address to the network adapater. The different IP addresses are stored in a table. The table cross-references each IP address with its partition. When a piece of data is received by the computer system, the data is examined to find out the IP address associated with the data. Once done, the table is consulted to determine to which one of the plurality of partitions the data is to be forwarded. The data is then forwarded to the partition.

Method and apparatus for transmitting wake-up packets over a network data processing system

A method in a data processing system for routing a packet to a target data processing system. With the method and apparatus, a global address for the target data processing system is placed in the packet. A hop-by-hop option may then be set in the packet, which contains a media access control address for the final destination. This option causes a router for a subnet on which the target data processing system is located to send the packet to the target data processing system using the media access control address without performing a link level address discovery operation.

Single point, scalable data synchronization for management of a virtual input/output server cluster

A method, data processing system and computer program product provide scalable data synchronization for a virtual input/output server (VIOS) cluster and one or more registered callers. A first VIOS is commits as a primary node of the VIOS cluster and performs the functions of: registering one or more callers to receive notification from the first VIOS of specific events occurring within the cluster; receiving notification of an occurrence of one of the specific events; and in response to receiving notification of the specific events, a deamon of the first VIOS retrieving a message payload file from a message payload file directory within the shared VIOS DB and passing the message payload file to the API, which forwards/posts the relevant event notification information from the message payload file to the TCP socket of each registered caller.

Method and system for recovering DHCP data

A system in which a DHCP server executes a recovery routine after detecting a corrupted IP address state database. The routine determines whether an IP address is assigned to a DHCP client by querying an IP address/port reserved for DHCP clients. If the response suggests the absence of a DHCP client, the address is marked as BAD. If the response suggests the presence of a DHCP client, the IP database is updated appropriately. The query may comprise sending a TCP/IP packet to the IP address and port and monitoring for an ICMP error message. In another embodiment requiring a protocol extension, the DHCP server issues a DHCP supported query to each IP address that responds to a ping command. The DHCP clients supporting this protocol extension will respond to the query by returning all of the DHCP configuration information that was acquired before the IP address state database crashed.

mSCTP based handover of a mobile device between non-intersecting networks

Responsive to detecting a need for a mobile device to transfer out of a first network, requests are sent from the mobile device to a communication endpoint in mSCTP. The first request is to stop transmissions to a first address of said mobile device. The second request is to add an intermediary address of a mobility support service designated for receiving any communications already in transmission when the first request is sent. The communication link for the mobile device is then transitioned from the current address at the first network to a second address at a second network. The first network and the second network are non-intersecting networks. The mobile device then indicates to the mobility support service that the handover from the first network to the second network is complete. The mobility support service responds to the completion by sending a third request in mSCTP to the communication endpoint to continue communication with the mobile client at the second address.

Migrating memory data between partitions

A method, system, and computer usable program product for migrating memory data between partitions are provided in the illustrative embodiments. All or a portion of a memory data of the source partition is written to a data storage unit, which may be a shared paging space, or a shared area of a data storage unit other than a paging space. The writing uses a first data communication path configured for paging the memory data. The portion of the memory data from the data storage unit is read at a destination partition. The reading uses a second data communication path configured for paging a second memory data. The read portion of the memory data may be used for executing a migrated application. The writing and reading may use a third and a fourth data communication paths respectively that may be configured for paging memory data to the shared area.

Method and apparatus for updating a domain name server

A computer implemented method, apparatus, system, and computer usable program code for updating a domain name server. In response to detecting a failed network interface in a plurality of network interfaces on a content server, the content server identifies an IP address for the failed network interface. The content server notifies a domain name server that the IP address for the failed network interface is an unreachable IP address. The domain name server does not provide the unreachable IP address to a querying client.

Accessing data processing systems behind a nat enabled network

A method, system, and program for accessing data processing systems behind a NAT enabled network are provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, a NAT data processing system is located behind a NAT enabled network with a NAT device as a gateway to the NAT enabled network. A client system located outside the NAT enabled network queries the NAT device for the address of the NAT data processing system located behind the NAT enabled network. The query is automatically routed through the NAT device to a DNS server. The DNS server then returns an address for the NAT data processing system and source routing for the NAT device. The NAT device forwards the address and source routing to the client system. Then, the client system sends packets to the NAT data processing system at the address with source routing through the NAT device, such that the NAT data processing system behind the NAT enabled network is directly accessed by the client system from outside the NAT enabled network.

Addressing a workload partition

A method, system, and computer usable program product for addressing a workload partition are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A packet of data directed to the WPAR and including a combined address is received at a software stack. A determination is made whether the combined address includes an identifier that is reserved. If the identifier is not reserved, the identifier is used to identify the WPAR in the data processing system and the packet is sent to the WPAR. The software stack is an application configured to enable data communication using a protocol of the packet, and is modified to detect, recognize, and process the combined address for routing the packet to the WPAR. The combined address may be logically formed using an identifier associated with the data processing system and an identifier associated with the WPAR, which may be located in different portions of the packet.

Protocol Definition for Software Bridge Failover

A method, data processing system, and computer usable code are provided for protocol definition for software bridge failover. In a first aspect of the present invention, a first software bridge determines the proper working operation of a physical adapter. Limbo packets are sent to a second software bridge alerting the second software bridge that the first software bridge is no longer bridging traffic responsive to the physical adapter failure in the first software bridge. The second software bridge receives the limbo packets, and, in response to receiving the limbo packets, asserts primary control and initiates bridging of traffic. In an alternative aspect of the present invention a first software bridge sends keep-alive packets. A second software bridge monitors the keep-alive packets from the first software bridge and, in response to a failure to detect the keep-alive packets from the first software bridge, the second software bridge initiates bridging of traffic.

Method, system and article for advance lease negotiation in DHCP

DHCP lease negotiation is performed in advance of a specified time when the IP address is needed. The client sends a DHCP discover message with an advance lease option indicating a future time when an IP address is needed. The DHCP server reserves an IP address available at the requested time for the requesting client and sends a DHCP acknowledgment of the reservation. Thereafter, the client sends a DHCP discover message requesting the reserved IP address, and the DHCP server assigns it to the client at the scheduled time.

Block storage interface for virtual memory

A mechanism for interfacing block storage devices is disclosed. The mechanism performs operations including receiving communications from an initiator at a block storage device interface, translating the received communications, transmitting the translated communications to a native storage device driver, forwarding the translated communication to a physical adapter, and controlling physical storage devices in response to the communications received from the initiator.

Tunneling ipv6 packets

Methods, systems, and products are provided for tunneling IPv6 packets. Embodiments include receiving, by an origin IPv6 border router from an origin IPv6 host, an IPv6 packet having an IPv6 destination address; receiving, by an origin IPv6 border router from an origin IPv6 10 host, an IPv4 address for a destination IPv6 border router retrieved from a data structure associating IPv6 destination addresses with IPv4 addresses for destination IPv6 border routers; encapsulating, by the origin IPv6 border router, the IPv6 packet in an IPv4 packet; and sending the encapsulated packet to a destination IPv6 border router at the IPv4 15 address. In many embodiments, encapsulating, by the origin IPv6 border router, the IPv6 packet in an IPv4 packet is carried out by adding an IPv4 header to the IPv6 packet.

Addressing a workload partition

A method, system, and computer usable program product for addressing a workload partition are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A packet of data directed to the WPAR and including a combined address is received at a software stack. A determination is made whether the combined address includes an identifier that is reserved. If the identifier is not reserved, the identifier is used to identify the WPAR in the data processing system and the packet is sent to the WPAR. The software stack is an application configured to enable data communication using a protocol of the packet, and is modified to detect, recognize, and process the combined address for routing the packet to the WPAR. The combined address may be logically formed using an identifier associated with the data processing system and an identifier associated with the WPAR, which may be located in different portions of the packet.

Method and apparatus for updating a domain name server

Tunneling IPv6 Packets

Methods, systems, and products are provided for tunneling IPv6 packets. Embodiments include receiving, by an origin IPv6 border router from an origin IPv6 host, an IPv6 packet having an IPv6 destination address; receiving, by an origin IPv6 border router from an origin IPv6 host, an IPv4 address for a destination IPv6 border router retrieved from a data structure associating IPv6 destination addresses with IPv4 addresses for destination IPv6 border routers; encapsulating, by the origin IPv6 border router, the IPv6 packet in an IPv4 packet; and sending the encapsulated packet to a destination IPv6 border router at the IPv4 address. In many embodiments, encapsulating, by the origin IPv6 border router, the IPv6 packet in an IPv4 packet is carried out by adding an IPv4 header to the IPv6 packet.

System und verfahren zur dynamischen änderung verbindungen in einem datenverarbeitungnetzwerk

モビリティ動作リソース割り当てのための方法、システム、コンピュータ・プログラム

【課題】モビリティ動作リソース割り当てのための方法を提供する。 【解決手段】第１のマシンから第２のマシンに実行中のアプリケーションをマイグレートする要求を受信し、少なくとも１つの性能ベースのモビリティ設定および少なくとも１つの同時実行性ベースのモビリティ設定を含む複数のモビリティ設定を示す調節可能リソース割り当てモビリティ設定インタフェースを表示し、インタフェースを介して、マイグレーションに利用するリソース割り当てを規定するモビリティ設定の選択を受信し、選択されたモビリティ設定によって設定されたようにリソースを用いて第１のマシンから第２のマシンに実行中のアプリケーションをマイグレートする。 【選択図】図５

Systems and methods for entitlement of virtual real memory for applications

Systems, methods and media for dynamic reallocation of memory to an application, the memory from a pool of virtual real memory allocated to a virtual client that executes the application are disclosed. In one embodiment, a virtual client is allocated a pool of virtual real memory. A subset of this pool of virtual real memory is a block of memory allocated for use by an application. The allocation may be stated as a range of allocated memory with an upper and lower limit. The application calls a kernel service when it thinks it needs a new allocation of memory. The new allocation is established by a power hypervisor connected to the virtual client. Memory is exported by way of a Paging Space Partition.

ワイヤレス・クライアント用のｉｐアドレスならびに名前マッビングを管理するための方法および装置

【課題】 ネットワーク・アドレスを管理するための方法、装置、およびコンピュータ命令を提供する。 【解決手段】 データ処理システムの識別における使用のために現在のサーバから受け取ったネットワーク・アドレスが、以前のサーバからの以前のネットワーク・アドレスと比較される。この受け取ったネットワーク・アドレスが新しいネットワーク・アドレスであり、以前のサーバが現在のサーバと異なるサーバであるとき、以前のネットワーク・アドレスを含んだ解放データ・パケットが作成される。この解放データ・パケットが以前のサーバへ送られ、このパケットが、再使用のために、以前のサーバに、以前のネットワーク・アドレスを解放させる。 【選択図】 図４

Configuration of remote data processing systems

A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for configuring a remote data processing system. A configuration is identified for the remote data processing system to form an identified configuration. The hardware for the remote data processing system is configured. An installation application is sent to the remote data processing system across a communications link after the hardware in the remote data processing system has been configured, wherein the installation application executes on the remote data processing system to configure the remote data processing system. Installation files are sent across the communications link to the installation application executing on the remote data processing system. The installation program uses the installation files to configure install a set of operating systems, install applications, and configure software on the remote data processing system.

System and method for dynamically altering connections in a data processing network

A data processing network and system in which a network connection is enabled to migrate among a multitude of available servers and/or clients to provide the connection using the most efficient available set of resources. Typically a server and client would indicate their respective support of this connection migration feature when the connection is established. An operating system or application program would monitor existing connections for characteristics including basic functionality and performance. If an existing connection were found to be faulty or low performing and the client and sever associated with the connection supported connection migration, the software would then determine if an alternative and more effective connection existed. Upon discovering such a connection, the parameters that define the connection would be altered to migrate the connection to the preferred hardware. In an embodiment in which the network connections are established with a transmission control protocol (TCP), each connection includes a four-tuple that completely defines the connection, namely, a source IP address, a source port number, a destination IP address, and a destination port number. By altering one or more of the connection's defining four-tuple, the invention is configured to migrate the connection to a NIC or system that is functioning more efficiently.

System und verfahren zur dynamischen änderung verbindungen in einem datenverarbeitungnetzwerk

System and method for dynamically altering connections in a data processing network

A data processing network and system in which a network connection is enabled to migrate among a multitude of available servers and/or clients to provide the connection using the most efficient available set of resources. Typically a server and client would indicate their respective support of this connection migration feature when the connection is established. An operating system or application program would monitor existing connections for characteristics including basic functionality and performance. If an existing connection were found to be faulty or low performing and the client and sever associated with the connection supported connection migration, the software would then determine if an alternative and more effective connection existed. Upon discovering such a connection, the parameters that define the connection would be altered to migrate the connection to the preferred hardware. In an embodiment in which the network connections are established with a transmission control protocol (TCP), each connection includes a four-tuple that completely defines the connection, namely, a source IP address, a source port number, a destination IP address, and a destination port number. By altering one or more of the connection's defining four-tuple, the invention is configured to migrate the connection to a NIC or system that is functioning more efficiently.

行動運作資源配置

根據本發明之一態樣，揭示一種用於行動運作資源配置之方法及技術。該方法包括：接收將一執行中應用程式自一第一機器遷移至一第二機器之一請求；顯示指示複數個行動設定之一可調整資源配置行動設定介面，該複數個行動設定包含至少一以效能為基礎之行動設定及至少一以並行為基礎之行動設定；經由該介面而接收定義一資源配置之一行動設定之一選取以用於該遷移；及利用藉由該已選取行動設定而設定之資源將該執行中應用程式自該第一機器遷移至該第二機器。

Method, system and article for improved network performance by avoiding data corruption

The reassembly timer in a TCP/IP receiver is dynamically set to avoid data corruption on fast networks caused by IP identification wrap-around. A sender generates IP packets with a special option specifying a reassembly time for fragments based on the subnet of the destination or on the calculated round-trip time of the connection. A receiver sets the reassembly timer to the reassembly time specified in the option. A sender can generate IP packets with an alternative option setting a time stamp for the generated packet. A receiver calculates a traversal time based on the difference between the arrival time of the fragment and this time stamp, and sets the reassembly timer based on this traversal time.

Securely maintaining communications network connection data

An apparatus and computer-readable medium for securely maintaining communications network connection data is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed according to which a user is prompted for network element address substitution data which specifies a substitute network element address for a network element address associated with a network element of a first communications network. The network element address substitution data is then stored within a first storage element, wherein access to the first storage element outside of the first communications network is restricted. Connection monitor data associated with the first communications network is processed utilizing the network element address substitution data. According to the described embodiment, such connection monitor data processing includes a means for identifying metadata of the connection monitor data which specifies the described network element address, and a means for substituting the metadata with metadata which specifies the substitute network element address.

Dynamically provisioning computer system resources

Storing and retrieving blocks of data having different dimensions in/from block storabe devices

A method for storing and retrieving blocks of data having different dimensions is disclosed. The method can include receiving a first data segment to be stored in a block storage device where the first data segment has an address. The method can also include determining if the first data segment conforms to a standard dimension and sorting the first data segment according to the destination address if it does not have a standard dimension. The method can further include placing a non-standard data segment into a unfilled block allocation and placing a second non-standard data segment into the unfilled block allocation when the second data segment has the destination identifier. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Arrangements for storing and retrieving blocks of data having different dimensions

A method for storing and retrieving blocks of data having different dimensions is disclosed. The method can include receiving a first data segment to be stored in a block storage device where the first data segment has an address. The method can also include determining if the first data segment conforms to a standard dimension and sorting the first data segment according to the destination address if it does not have a standard dimension. The method can further include placing a non-standard data segment into a unfilled block allocation and placing a second non-standard data segment into the unfilled block allocation when the second data segment has the destination identifier. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Utilizing parallel available services over a wireless network

Addressing a workload partition

A system, and computer usable program product for addressing a workload partition are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A packet of data directed to the WPAR and including a combined address is received at a software stack. A determination is made whether the combined address includes an identifier that is reserved. If the identifier is not reserved, the identifier is used to identify the WPAR in the data processing system and the packet is sent to the WPAR. The software stack is an application configured to enable data communication using a protocol of the packet, and is modified to detect, recognize, and process the combined address for routing the packet to the WPAR. The combined address may be logically formed using an identifier associated with the data processing system and an identifier associated with the WPAR, which may be located in different portions of the packet.