Dynamic PCIe Device Mapping via Virtual Interface Card Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack a mechanism for dynamically mapping and managing Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) devices across multiple hosts in a chassis without manual intervention, leading to underutilization of resources and complexity in deployment and reconfiguration, especially when using Single Root Input Output Virtualization (SRIOV) and hot plugging protocols.
Innovation Solution
A Virtual Interface Card (VIC) adapter dynamically learns the number and location of hosts, identifies devices, and builds interfaces to connect them to selected hosts, enabling on-the-fly mapping and reconfiguration of PCIe devices, including SRIOV-capable and hot plug devices, without requiring manual intervention or rebooting the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a PCIe device is manually inserted into a host, then the device can be connected and used, but the process requires manual intervention and system reboot, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated device discovery, host identification, and interface building. The VIC adapter automatically detects PCIe devices, learns host locations, and dynamically creates connection interfaces without requiring administrator intervention or system reboot, allowing the system to serve itself in device management operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic connection capabilities where the VIC adapter can dynamically build and reconfigure interfaces between PCIe devices and hosts on-the-fly. This dynamic approach allows devices to be connected, moved, or disconnected without static configuration constraints, enabling flexible resource allocation and eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration
2Reliability
If PCIe devices are statically assigned to hosts, then connection stability is maintained, but resource utilization decreases when hosts are unavailable or devices need reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The VIC adapter serves multiple functions: it acts as a discovery mechanism for PCIe devices, a learning system for host locations, a mapping engine for device-host correspondence, and a dynamic interface builder. This multi-functional approach allows a single component to handle diverse device management tasks, improving both reliability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the VIC adapter's ability to learn host locations and device identifiers, receive correspondence information, and dynamically adjust connections based on current system state. This feedback mechanism ensures connections remain stable while adapting to changing resource availability and host status
3Adaptability or versatility
If SRIOV capabilities are used in PCIe devices, then virtualization and resource sharing are enabled, but the complexity of managing virtual functions across hosts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The VIC adapter serves as an intermediary between PCIe devices with SRIOV capabilities and the hosts. It automatically manages the complexity of virtual function mapping, host identification, and interface construction, shielding administrators from the underlying complexity while enabling full SRIOV functionality and resource sharing
4Productivity
If hot plugging protocol is implemented for PCIe devices, then device addition without reboot is enabled, but the mechanism for moving devices between hosts dynamically is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends hot plugging capabilities by implementing dynamic device mobility. The VIC adapter can dynamically learn new host locations, receive device correspondence information for different hosts, and rebuild interfaces to move devices between hosts on-the-fly without reboot, making the system adaptable to changing deployment requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for connecting a device to one of a plurality of processing hosts. A virtual interface card (VIC) adapter learns the number and location of the hosts and an identification of the device; receives a mapping of the device to a selected host where in the host is selected from the plurality of hosts; and dynamically builds an interface that connects the device to the selected host.