Actively provisioning a managed node
View Patent ↗A computing device configured for actively provisioning a managed node is described. The computing device includes a processor and executable instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The computing device identifies a managed node on a network. The computing device also determines whether the managed node comprises management hardware. The computing device further enables the management hardware. To enable the management hardware, the computing device opens hardware-based secure communication between the computing device and the node, allows access to a remote management engine and provisions the management engine. The computer device additionally adds the managed node to a database.
1. A computing device configured for actively provisioning a managed node, comprising:
a processor;
memory in electronic communication with the processor;
instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being executable to:
identify a managed node on a network;
determine whether the managed node comprises management hardware, wherein the management hardware comprises a processor, chipset and network adaptor that are separate from hardware utilized by an operating system of the managed node, wherein the management hardware utilizes a first network stack, wherein the hardware utilized by an operating system of the managed node utilizes a physical port to connect with the network and the management hardware utilizes the physical port to connect with the network, wherein the operating system of the managed node utilizes a second network stack that is separate from the first network stack;
enable the management hardware, wherein enabling comprises:
opening hardware-based secure communication between the computing device and the node;
allowing access to a management engine; and
provisioning the management engine, wherein provisioning the management engine comprises changing settings for the managed node; and
add the managed node to a database.
2. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein identifying the managed node further comprises detecting a new node being added to the network.
3. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein provisioning the management engine further comprises changing the management hardware to a specific state.
4. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are further executable to configure the managed node.
5. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the computing device is connected to the managed node by an out-of-band connection.
6. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the management hardware further comprises Intel® vPro Technology.
7. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are further executable to negotiate an authorized certificate.
8. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein no agent is needed on the managed node.
9. A method for actively provisioning a managed node, comprising:
identifying a managed node on a network;
determining whether the managed node comprises management hardware, wherein the management hardware comprises a processor, chipset and network adaptor that are separate from hardware utilized by an operating system of the managed node, wherein the management hardware utilizes a first network stack, wherein the hardware utilized by an operating system of the managed node utilizes a physical port to connect with the network and the management hardware utilizes the physical port to connect with the network, wherein the operating system of the managed node utilizes a second network stack that is separate from the first network stack;
enabling the management hardware, wherein enabling comprises:
opening hardware-based secure communication between a computing device and the node;
allowing access to a management engine; and
provisioning the management engine, wherein provisioning the management engine comprises changing settings for the managed node; and
adding the managed node to a database.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein identifying the managed node further comprises detecting a new node being added to the network.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein provisioning the management engine further comprises changing the management hardware to a specific state.
12. The method of claim 9 , further comprising configuring the managed node.
13. The method of claim 9 , wherein the computing device is connected to the managed node by an out-of-band connection.
14. The method of claim 9 , wherein the management hardware further comprises Intel® vPro Technology.
15. The method of claim 9 , further comprising negotiating an authorized certificate.
16. The method of claim 9 , wherein no agent is needed on the managed node.
17. A non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium for actively provisioning a managed node comprising executable instructions for:
identifying a managed node on a network;
determining whether the managed node comprises management hardware, wherein the management hardware comprises a processor, chipset and network adaptor that are separate from hardware utilized by an operating system of the managed node, wherein the management hardware utilizes a first network stack, wherein the hardware utilized by an operating system of the managed node utilizes a physical port to connect with the network and the management hardware utilizes the physical port to connect with the network, wherein the operating system of the managed node utilizes a second network stack that is separate from the first network stack;
enabling the management hardware, wherein enabling comprises:
opening hardware-based secure communication between a computing device and the node;
allowing access to a management engine; and
provisioning the management engine, wherein provisioning the management engine comprises changing settings for the managed node; and
adding the managed node to a database.
18. The computer-readable medium of claim 17 , wherein provisioning the management engine further comprises changing the management hardware to a specific state.