Remote power control within a multi-node partitioned data processing system via a network interface card

摘要

A system and method for remote power control across multiple distinct nodes of a logically coherent data processing system where each node has the design of a traditional standalone SMP server. The system is partitioned into two or more static partitions. Remote power control for the partition is achieved using a modified wake-on-LAN implementation in which magic packet filters on each NIC in the partition are modified to enable remote, partition-wide restart by a magic packet that is recognized by or common to all of the nodes. In one embodiment the wake-on-LAN filters of each NIC in the partition recognize and respond to magic packets addressed to any of the NIC's in the partition. In another embodiment, the wake-on-LAN filters of each NIC in the partition are modified to respond to a universal magic packet.