CXL and PCIe Encapsulation for Wide-Area Inter-Device Networking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intra-device protocols like CXL and PCIe are limited to a single network and lack features for traversing wide area networks, such as the Internet, limiting their application in distributed computing systems.
Innovation Solution
Employing intra-device protocols like CXL and PCIe over inter-device protocols such as IP to extend communication across Ethernet layer 2 boundaries, utilizing existing network infrastructure for larger distributed computing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If intra-device protocols like CXL and PCIe are used for high-speed communication, then communication speed and efficiency are improved, but network reachability and ability to traverse wide area networks deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces IP protocol as an intermediary layer between intra-device protocols (CXL/PCIe) and wide area networks. The system encapsulates CXL/PCIe traffic within IP packets, allowing high-speed intra-device communication to traverse inter-device networks while maintaining protocol efficiency. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by enabling both high-speed communication and wide network reachability through protocol stacking and translation.
2Reliability
If intra-device protocols are confined to single network for reliability, then communication reliability is improved, but device connectivity across distributed systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into distinct protocol layers: the reliable intra-device protocol layer (CXL/PCIe) handles high-speed data transfer with guaranteed reliability, while the IP network layer handles routing and connectivity across distributed systems. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific function while working together to achieve both reliability and wide device connectivity in distributed computing environments.
Data Source
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AI summary
In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to methods and systems for encapsulating intra-device protocols, such as CXL and/or PCIe packets, into inter-device protocols, such as IP packets, allowing resources across one or more networks to be shared. For example, CXL and/or PCIe address to IP address lookup tables may be used to determine destination IP addresses or source IP addresses such that CXL and/or PCIe packets may be sent across various networks. Layer 3 forwarding enables communication between large distributed systems while utilizing existing network infrastructure.