Basic Input Output System (BIOS)

STL2 Server Board TPS

4.1.1System BIOS

The system BIOS is the core of the flash ROM-resident portion of the BIOS. The system BIOS provides standard PC-BIOS services and support for some new industry standards, such as the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface Specification, Revision 1.0 and Wired For Management Baseline Specification, Revision 2.0. In addition, the system BIOS supports certain features that are common across all the Intel servers. These include:

Security

MPS support

Server management and error handling

CMOS configuration RAM management

OEM customization

PCI and Plug and Play (PnP) BIOS interface

Console redirection

Resource allocation support

BIOS setup is embedded in flash ROM and provides the means to configure on-board hardware devices and add-in cards. For more information, refer to Section 4.2, Setup Utility.

4.1.2Flash Update Utility

The system BIOS and the setup utility are resident in partitioned flash ROM. The device is in- circuit reprogrammable. On the STL2 platform, 1 MB of flash ROM is provided. The STL2 BIOS does not support a SecureBIOS feature like some server products from Intel. This is because the addition of SecureBIOS increases boot time, and complexities, and does not provide compelling benefits for the STL2 platform.

The Phoenix Phlash Utility may be used to reprogram the BIOS operational code located in the flash ROM. A BIOS image is provided on a diskette in the form of a binary file that is read by the Phoenix Phlash Utility. Baseboard revisions may create hardware incompatibilities and may require different BIOS code.

4.1.2.1System Flash ROM Layout

The flash ROM contains system initialization routines, BIOS strings, BIOS Setup, and run-time support routines. The exact layout is subject to change, as determined by Intel. A 16 KB user block is available for user ROM code and another 128KB block is available for custom logos.

The flash ROM also contains compressed initialization code for on-board peripherals such as SCSI, NIC, and video controllers. The BIOS image contains all the BIOS components at appropriate locations. The Phoenix Phlash Utility can be used to reprogram the BIOS operational code areas.

At run time, none of the flash blocks is visible at the aliased addresses below 1 MB due to shadowing. Intel reserves the right to change the flash map without notice.

A 64 KB parameter block in the flash ROM is dedicated to storing configuration data that controls extended system configuration data (ESCD), on-board SCSI configuration, OEM configuration areas, etc. The block is partitioned into separate areas for logically different data.

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Intel STL2 manual System Bios, Flash Update Utility, System Flash ROM Layout

STL2 specifications

The Intel STL2, known as the Intel Storage Technology Level 2, is a robust solution designed to elevate storage management and performance for enterprise-level applications. This next-generation system is specifically tailored for organizations that demand high reliability, scalability, and efficiency in their storage solutions.

One of the primary features of the Intel STL2 is its advanced data protection mechanisms. With integrated RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) support, it ensures that data remains safe, even in the event of hardware failure. RAID configurations can be easily set up and managed, allowing businesses to choose the right balance between performance and redundancy based on their unique requirements.

In terms of performance, the STL2 leverages cutting-edge SSD (Solid State Drive) integration to provide high-speed data access and reduced latency. This capability is essential for modern applications that require quick retrieval of large volumes of data, making it suitable for environments like data analytics, AI, and cloud computing.

Scalability is another significant characteristic of the Intel STL2. It is designed to grow alongside an organization’s needs, supporting a diverse range of storage architectures. Whether a company is looking to expand its data center or transition to hybrid cloud solutions, the STL2 can accommodate additional storage resources effortlessly, ensuring that performance does not degrade as storage demands increase.

Moreover, the STL2 features advanced automation and management tools that simplify storage operations. The system allows for real-time monitoring and analytics, providing insights into storage health, performance metrics, and capacity forecasts. This level of visibility enables IT teams to optimize resource utilization and proactively address potential issues before they become critical.

Another notable technology integrated into the STL2 is Intel’s Open Storage Architecture, which promotes interoperability with various software and hardware platforms. This open approach facilitates seamless integrations with existing systems and enhances flexibility within dynamic IT environments.

Lastly, Intel STL2 prioritizes energy efficiency. Its design minimizes power consumption without sacrificing performance, helping organizations reduce their operational costs and carbon footprint.

In summary, the Intel STL2 stands out in the competitive landscape of storage solutions with its focus on data protection, high performance, scalability, advanced management features, open architecture compatibility, and energy efficiency. These characteristics make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to enhance their data storage capabilities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.