Flexible Network Switch Fabric for Clustering Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional clustering systems face challenges in supporting multiple network interfaces due to limited physical space, leading to designs optimized for single types of interfaces, with serious dependencies between computation and network interface designs, and insufficient space for multiple interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A flexible network switch fabric with a base board hosting multiple network slots and interface cards, allowing for selective insertion of cards with varying differential pairs, enabling compatibility with different network interfaces and independent function partitioning, thus optimizing signal assignment and physical space allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated network interface is assigned to each computation node, then network switching capability is provided, but physical space on the computation node is insufficient to support multiple network interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork interface type supportVSAvoidphysical space on computation node

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates network interface functionality from computation nodes by introducing a dedicated network switch module. Network interface cards are moved from computation nodes to the network switch module, dividing the system into computation functions (on nodes) and network switching functions (on the switch module). This segmentation allows computation nodes to focus on processing while the network switch module handles multiple interface types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A network switch module acts as an intermediary between computation nodes and external networks. This intermediary contains the network interface cards and handles all network switching tasks, allowing computation nodes to communicate with different network interface types without having the interfaces physically integrated on each node.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the clustering system is designed for a single type of network interface, then the design is simplified, but the system cannot support multiple network interface types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple network interface typesVSAvoidsystem design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple different network interface cards (Gigabit Ethernet, InfiniBand, 10 Gigabit Ethernet) are merged into a single network switch module. This consolidation allows the system to support multiple interface types in one location rather than requiring each computation node to support all interface types, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The network switch module is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different types of network interface cards. The module provides multi-functionality by supporting various network interface types through interchangeable cards, allowing the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple protocol requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If network interface cards are integrated on each computation node, then computation density is improved, but the computation node design becomes dependent on network interface requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputation densityVSAvoidindependence from network interface design

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments network interface functionality from computation functionality. Network interface cards are physically separated from computation nodes and relocated to the network switch module. This segmentation eliminates the dependency between computation node design and network interface requirements, allowing computation nodes to be optimized for processing density while network interface requirements are handled independently by the switch module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Network interface cards are extracted from computation nodes and relocated to the network switch module. This extraction removes the network interface dependency from computation node design, allowing computation nodes to be designed purely for computational purposes while network interface requirements are satisfied by the external switch module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8107466B2Flexible network switch fabric for clustering system

Publication Date: 2012.01.31 MITAC INT CORP

AI summary

A network switch fabric is provided for a clustering system to facilitate flexibility of network-related interconnection selection and system scalability. The network switch fabric includes replaceable network switch(s) and network interface(s) selectively configured on a base board. Multiple types of interconnection protocols with similar characteristics will be able to implement on a common infrastructure of network switch fabric. A pass through card operating as a network interface is also applicable on the network switch fabric to directly connect with an external network. The pass through card allows the network switch fabric supporting the clustering system to be scalable, thereby capable of supporting a large-scale cluster computing.