Disaggregated Server Architecture via Unified Interconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center server architectures require entire system upgrades when individual components become obsolete or need enhancement, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to compatibility issues and under/overutilization of resources.
Innovation Solution
A disaggregated data center architecture with unified interconnect networks allows for modular upgrades and resource sharing among processor, memory, storage, and NIC modules, enabling granular resource allocation and reduction in equipment costs through a common communication protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If server components are dedicated for use by a single user, then reliability is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments server resources into dedicated components (processors, memory, storage, NICs) that are physically separated and can be independently allocated to different users or virtual machines. This segmentation allows each resource to be reliably dedicated while simultaneously enabling multi-tenant utilization through virtualization, resolving the contradiction between reliability and resource utilization.
2Productivity
If server components are upgraded, then performance is improved, but system compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the server into independent, modular components connected through standardized interfaces, the patent enables individual component upgrades without affecting other parts of the system. Each component can be upgraded independently while maintaining compatibility through the standardized interconnect architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal, standardized interfaces and protocols for interconnecting server components. This universality allows different generations and types of components to work together, enabling performance improvements through upgrades while maintaining system compatibility through a common platform.
3Productivity
If entire server systems are upgraded, then performance is improved, but cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the server system into independently upgradable components, allowing organizations to upgrade only the specific resources they need (e.g., adding memory or storage) rather than replacing entire server systems. This granular approach reduces equipment costs by eliminating the need for complete system replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic, flexible server architecture where components can be added, removed, or upgraded independently based on changing requirements. This dynamic approach allows performance improvement through selective upgrades rather than costly complete system replacements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a unified interconnect network, a plurality of process memory modules, and a plurality of processor modules configured to share access to the memory modules via the unified interconnect network. Data may be communicated between a plurality of processor modules and a plurality of shared resource pools via a unified interconnect network, wherein the communications comprise a protocol that is common to all resource pools, and wherein each resource pool comprises a plurality of resource modules each configured to perform a common function. Further, a network interface controller (NIC) module may be configured to receive data from a plurality of processor modules via a unified interconnect network, and provide core network connectivity to the processor modules.