Circuit-Switched Compute Resource Partitioning for Dual-Path Workloads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computing data centers face inefficiencies in workload distribution, leading to underutilization of physical resources, as workloads are often processed by more processing units than necessary, while other units remain idle, lacking intelligent resource partitioning that maintains communication bandwidth and dual paths.

Innovation Solution

A switching controller determines the optimal number of processing units based on workload requirements and configures a circuit switch to link them via dual communication paths, allowing for efficient resource allocation and parallel processing without reducing bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If workloads are distributed to more processing units, then reliability and fault tolerance are improved, but resource utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkload processing reliabilityVSAvoidresource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines the number of processing units needed based on workload requirements and reconfigures circuit switches in real-time. The management entity monitors workload characteristics and adjusts the allocation of processing units dynamically, transitioning from static over-provisioning to adaptive resource allocation that maintains reliability while optimizing utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of processing unit allocation from fixed to variable based on workload analysis. By analyzing workload characteristics and determining the minimum required processing units, the system adjusts resource allocation parameters to match actual needs, preventing both over-provisioning and under-provisioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If circuit switching is implemented for resource partitioning, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidswitching control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A management entity is introduced as an intermediary between workloads and processing units. This intermediary analyzes workload requirements, determines optimal processing unit allocation, and controls circuit switch configurations. By centralizing control logic in the management entity, the complexity of circuit switching is abstracted away from individual processing units and workloads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments control functions by separating workload management from resource allocation. The management entity handles high-level decisions about resource partitioning, while circuit switches handle low-level physical connectivity. This segmentation allows each component to focus on specific tasks, reducing overall system complexity despite the introduction of circuit switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11689436B2Techniques to configure physical compute resources for workloads via circuit switching

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Embodiments are generally directed apparatuses, methods, techniques and so forth to select two or more processing units of the plurality of processing units to process a workload, and configure a circuit switch to link the two or more processing units to process the workload, the two or more processing units each linked to each other via paths of communication and the circuit switch.