Composable Infrastructure Module for Low-Latency RAID Resource Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data centers face challenges with high latency, increased hardware requirements, and costs due to the need for multiple layers of software and hardware for device provisioning, which also leads to space and power inefficiencies, and lack of RAID features in top-of-rack switches, necessitating a solution that converges network switch, network interface controller, software-defined network, storage virtualization, and RAID functionalities on a single appliance.
Innovation Solution
The composable infrastructure module (CIM) integrates a network switch, network interface controller, software-defined network, storage virtualization controller, and RAID features into a single appliance, utilizing PCIe connectivity and non-transparent bridging to pool and provision disaggregated compute, network, and storage resources dynamically, eliminating the need for on-board Ethernet NICs and providing RAID capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers of software and hardware are used for device provisioning, then device provisioning capability is achieved, but latency increases and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges network switch functionality, network interface controller functionality, storage virtualization functionality, and RAID functionality into a single integrated appliance. This consolidation eliminates multiple layers of software and hardware, reducing latency while maintaining comprehensive device provisioning capabilities through the unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated appliance performs multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as a network switch, network interface controller, storage virtualization controller, and RAID controller. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware components, reducing overall system complexity and latency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers of software and hardware are used for device provisioning, then device provisioning capability is achieved, but hardware requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hardware functions into a single integrated appliance, eliminating the need for separate network switches, network interface controllers, storage virtualization controllers, and RAID controllers. This merging significantly reduces hardware requirements and system complexity while maintaining full device provisioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single appliance provides universal functionality for network switching, network interface control, storage virtualization, and RAID operations. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized hardware components, reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional network interface controllers and Ethernet cables are used in each host server, then network connectivity is established, but space requirements and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network interface controller functionality from individual host servers and consolidates it into a centralized appliance. This eliminates the need for physical NIC cards in each server, reducing space requirements while maintaining reliable network connectivity through the unified control point.
4Reliability
If conventional network interface controllers and Ethernet cables are used in each host server, then network connectivity is established, but power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes physical network interface controllers from each host server and consolidates them into a single appliance. This extraction eliminates multiple power-consuming NIC components, reducing overall power requirements while maintaining reliable network connectivity through the centralized system.
Data Source
AI summary
A composable infrastructure module (CIM) with converged functionalities of a network switch, a network interface controller, a software-defined network, a storage virtualisation controller, software-defined storage, redundant array of independent disks (RAID) features, and a composable infrastructure is provided. The CIM includes at least one processor, non-transparent bridge (NTB) devices, an Ethernet switch function, network interface functions, a compose application, and a volume manager module. Each NTB device establishes peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) connectivity between the processor(s) and multiple nodes and between the nodes, and transfers data therebetween. The Ethernet switch function provides Ethernet connectivity to a spine switch. The volume manager module creates RAID volumes by utilizing storage resources. The compose application selectively pools and extends availability of disaggregated compute, network, and storage resources as direct attached devices on demand.