Co-Resident Data-Plane and NIC Controllers for Network Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional computer systems for packet management in communications networks suffer from inefficiencies due to interrupt-driven kernel processing, leading to suboptimal network performance in terms of throughput and latency, especially in virtualized environments where packet routing and management can degrade network performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing co-resident data-plane and network interface controllers on a single chip, with a medium access controller (MAC) that dynamically selects between the network interface controller (NIC) and packet input/output processors (PKI/PKO) based on packet content or register values, allowing for event-driven processing to minimize overhead and enhance packet management efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If interrupt-driven kernel processing is used for packet management, then general-purpose processing capability is maintained, but network performance (throughput and latency) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing function into two distinct processing paths: a fast path handled by the data-plane controller for high-performance packet forwarding, and a slow path handled by the kernel for complex packet management tasks. This segmentation allows the system to maintain general-purpose processing capability through the kernel while achieving high network performance through the dedicated data-plane controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The data-plane controller acts as an intermediary between the network interface controller and the kernel, handling time-sensitive packet processing tasks without requiring kernel intervention. This intermediary approach eliminates interrupt overhead for routine packet operations while preserving the kernel's general-purpose processing capabilities for complex management functions.
2Ease of operation
If network interface controller with interrupt-driven processing is used, then packet management functionality is provided, but interrupt overhead increases and network performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts time-sensitive packet processing functions from the interrupt-driven kernel path and relocates them to the event-driven data-plane controller. This extraction eliminates the need for interrupts to handle routine packet forwarding operations, removing the associated overhead of context switching, state saving, and interrupt handler execution while preserving kernel-based packet management functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically routes packets through different processing paths based on their requirements: simple forwarding packets are handled by the fast data-plane controller without interrupts, while complex packets requiring management functions are routed to the kernel. This dynamic approach minimizes interrupt overhead for the majority of packets while maintaining full packet management capability.
3Productivity
If separate NIC and network processor are used, then packet processing capability is improved, but device complexity and chip area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the network interface controller and the data-plane controller onto a single chip, creating an integrated network processing device. The MAC controller serves as a shared resource between both controllers, and the unified memory space allows efficient data exchange. This integration maintains the packet processing capabilities of separate devices while reducing overall system complexity and chip area.
Solution Approach 2:
The MAC controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both the NIC and the data-plane controller. This universal component can operate in different modes depending on which controller needs its services, eliminating the need for separate dedicated MAC controllers for each processing unit and thereby reducing device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If kernel software implements packet management, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but processing performance and throughput decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments packet processing into two categories: time-critical forwarding operations handled by the event-driven data-plane controller for high performance, and flexible management operations handled by the kernel software for adaptability. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal performance regime.
Solution Approach 2:
The data-plane controller serves as an intermediary that handles the bulk of packet processing tasks without kernel involvement, freeing the kernel to focus on flexible management functions. This intermediary approach allows the kernel to maintain its flexible software-based packet management while the data-plane controller provides high-performance processing for throughput-critical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system with co-resident data-plane and network interface controllers embodying a method for network switching of a data packet incoming from a network at a packet input processor portion of a network interface resource comprising the packet input processor, a packet output processor, and a network interface controller, implemented on a chip, to a target entity, is disclosed. Additionally, the system embodying a method for network switching of a data packet outgoing from an internal facing interface of a network interface controller portion of the network interface resource to a network is disclosed.