Fat Tree Bridge Routing for Multihost Signal Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In information processing apparatuses with a multihost architecture, signal transmission between processor units becomes complex and slower as the number of processor units increases, due to the management of different buses, leading to longer access times.
Innovation Solution
A signal transmission method and bridge unit configuration that utilize a fat tree structure with bridge units that relay signals based on identification numbers and levels, allowing the switch routing circuit to select the shortest route for signal transmission between processor units, using bus bridges and end point bridges to ensure efficient routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of processor units is increased to achieve faster processing speeds, then processing capability is improved, but signal transmission complexity and access time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal transmission path by introducing bridge units that divide the connection between processor units into manageable segments. Each bridge unit manages specific bus connections and routing decisions, breaking down the complex transmission task into smaller, controllable segments that reduce overall transmission complexity while supporting multiple processor units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bridge units as intermediary components between processor units. These bridge units act as mediators that manage signal transmission routing, converting complex direct connections into simplified indirect paths through standardized bridge interfaces, thereby reducing transmission complexity while maintaining high processing capability
2Productivity
If the number of processor units is increased to achieve faster processing speeds, then processing capability is improved, but signal transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary routing decisions at bridge units where the destination processor unit is identified in advance, and the optimal transmission path is predetermined before signal transmission begins. This preliminary action eliminates runtime routing delays and reduces access time by having transmission paths ready ahead of time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic routing capabilities where bridge units can adaptively select transmission paths based on real-time conditions. The routing decisions are made dynamically at each bridge unit along the path, allowing the system to optimize transmission time by selecting the most efficient route available at any given moment rather than following fixed paths
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus having a fat tree structure, in which signal transmission across node columns managed by respective processor units is performed through end point bridges included in bridge chips. In this transmission method, the bridge chips perform routing by using node IDs that are given to the respective node columns and levels that indicate the hierarchical depths of the bridge chips, thereby selecting the shortest routes of signals.