Compute Node Topology Detection via Connection Identity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center maintenance is complex and costly due to the difficulty in pinpointing server positions among thousands of compute nodes, storage nodes, and network switches, with existing methods relying on specific wires for characterizing connection relationships, which are expensive and prone to human error.
Innovation Solution
A method where compute nodes and storage nodes generate identical connection identities by exchanging and combining their identification information, such as serial numbers or MAC addresses, to characterize their connection relationship without the need for specific wires, allowing for software-based management and reduced maintenance complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific wires with EEPROM are used to connect compute nodes and storage nodes, then connection relationship characterization is achieved, but cost increases and human maintenance error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical system of physical wires with EEPROM with a software-based identification system. Compute nodes and storage nodes generate connection identities through software algorithms that combine their respective identification information, eliminating the need for physical wire labeling and manual maintenance while achieving reliable connection relationship characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using unique physical wires with embedded identifiers, the patent creates virtual copies of connection information through software-generated connection identities. Each compute node and storage node independently generates the same connection identity string by combining their identification information, creating a replicable digital twin of the physical connection relationship without requiring physical duplication of wires.
2Loss of information
If specific wires with EEPROM are used to characterize connection relationships, then topology information is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential topology information function from the complex physical wire system with EEPROM. By removing the wire-based infrastructure and retaining only the information characterization capability through software-generated connection identities, the system maintains complete topology information while dramatically reducing device and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection identity generation mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies connection relationships, characterizes topology, provides unique pairing between compute nodes and storage nodes, and enables software-based management. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate wire labeling, manual configuration, and physical tracking systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting topology, a compute node, and a storage node are proposed. In this disclosure, the compute node and the storage node exchange identity information with each other. Next, each of the compute node and the storage node combines the identity information thereof and the identification information of the other based on the same rule to generate the same connection identification for characterizing the connection relationship between the compute node and the storage node. Accordingly, the maintenance and management of a data center may be more convenient and less expensive.