The technology PCI Express is advanced high performance architecture of the components? connection that provides higher reliability and a convenience of the system service. PCI Express cards have one important aspect, which should be taken into account - a support of a hot connection function. The PCI Express technology provides an opportunity for this function implementation.
PCI Express with hot plug allows performing a physical connection and disconnection of standard PCI devices, such as network adapters or input / output controllers without stopping the work of other devices. This operation affects only certain cutoff points of the system and does not require switching it off or reloading.
Usually, a user requires approval of synchronized hardware and software parts of the system work. Here is the main problem of the function, since it depends on coherency in co-operation of devices from different producers. As a result, IT Specialists and information centers managers meet many problems of the service convenience, trying to get a clue in variety of different hardware models that depend on server components and adapters configurations. In this way the variety of service models results in the complexity of service and increase of the system idle time.
The technology PCI Express uses a new approach to solving problems, specific for the hot plug function. The technology was initially developed with opportunities for devices? hot plug. That is the reason why registers of hot plug management are parts of PCI Express standard in difference with standard SHPC 1.0.
Commonly, such devices as a video card PCI Express get a simple interface for an access to hardware registers of hot plug management. Thus, PCI Express cards support the hot plug technology, comparing to old methods, based on BIOS.
PCI Express cards have a standard ability of hot plug with hardware tools and it is defined on a basic architectural level. The Standard Hot-Plug Controller (SHPC) basic architecture lies in the foundation of PCI Express cards.
The PCI Express technology permits an easy improvement of the constructive characteristics. In this way the reliability of the platform can be increased easily with low wastes for producing the OEM production.
The technology PCI Express support the standard hot plug ability, as it determines and requires the allocation of responding registers for managing functions, connected with three important platform levels: chassis, chassis cutoff points end a device (adapter). Hence, the technology meets the condition of compatibility for devices from different producers.
In their turn, IT specialists and information centers managers spend less time on technical tutorials and serving systems due to a significant decrease of differentials between various platforms. Moreover, this approach gives a possibility to increase the investments covering, as it is unnecessary to purchase all system components from one producer to avoid compatibility problems. This is a good way to make the work of system administrators easier and more efficient.