Dynamic Hardware Classification Engine for Network Interface Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In modern computing environments, existing network traffic management systems struggle to dynamically optimize resource utilization and network performance, particularly in scenarios where multiple computing resources share a network interface, leading to inefficiencies and potential bandwidth bottlenecks.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a network interface connected to a host system with virtual serialization queues and management software that monitors activity and dynamically modifies configuration information to route data packets based on real-time conditions, allowing for dynamic programming of the hardware classification engine to optimize resource allocation and network performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hardware classification engine is statically programmed to direct received traffic to particular receive rings, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different traffic patterns and network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic classification engine that can modify its routing behavior in real-time based on monitored network conditions and traffic patterns. The system transitions from static configuration to dynamic adaptation by allowing the classification engine to learn and adjust routing decisions autonomously without requiring manual reconfiguration, thus maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The classification engine performs self-configuration by autonomously monitoring network traffic patterns and automatically adjusting its routing rules. The system serves itself by implementing self-learning algorithms that enable the engine to adapt to changing network conditions without external intervention, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If multiple computing resources share a network interface with static routing configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and resource utilization efficiency deteriorate due to bandwidth bottlenecks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic routing capabilities that allow the classification engine to adapt routing decisions in real-time based on current network conditions and resource utilization metrics. This dynamic approach enables multiple computing resources to share the network interface more efficiently by automatically optimizing traffic distribution, thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the classification engine continuously monitors network traffic patterns and resource utilization, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust routing decisions. This closed-loop control enables the system to optimize bandwidth utilization and prevent bottlenecks, improving overall productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the hardware classification engine is dynamically reconfigured based on monitored activity, then the adaptability and network performance are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The classification engine implements self-configuration capabilities where it autonomously monitors network conditions and automatically adjusts its routing rules without requiring external management intervention. This self-service approach improves adaptability while containing device complexity by eliminating the need for complex external configuration management systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary monitoring and analysis of network traffic patterns to pre-calculate optimal routing configurations before actual traffic arrives. By preparing routing decisions in advance based on observed patterns, the system achieves high adaptability while managing complexity through proactive rather than reactive configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7593404B1Dynamic hardware classification engine updating for a network interface
Publication Date: 2009.09.22 ORACLE AMERICAN INC
  • US7593404B1 patent drawing
  • US7593404B1 patent drawing
  • US7593404B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Incoming network data is processed according to a current hardware classification “engine” configuration. As data is propagated from a network interface to a host system, an activity of one or more components of the host system is monitored. If it is determined that a desired/optimal resource utilization of the host system and/or a desired/optimal network performance is not being achieved, the hardware classification “engine” configuration is dynamically modified.