InfiniBand Data Service Address Resolution for Cloud Traffic Bottlenecks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The performance and administrative bottlenecks associated with traditional networks and storage in large cloud computing architectures, particularly in next-generation supercomputers and data centers, are significant due to the limitations of existing interconnection networks like InfiniBand (IB) technology.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a data service system that provides address resolution and data processing within an engineered system for middleware and application execution, utilizing intermediate nodes to handle data packets with global and local identifiers, enabling efficient data flow management and service provisioning without leaving the IB fabric, and supporting high availability through distributed data service components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional networks and storage are used in large cloud computing architectures, then system compatibility and ease of integration are improved, but performance bottlenecks and administrative complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidperformance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts traditional network addresses (IP addresses, MAC addresses) into InfiniBand identifiers (GIDs, LIDs). This intermediary mechanism enables seamless integration between traditional networks and the InfiniBand fabric, allowing systems to maintain compatibility with legacy networks while achieving high-performance communication through the IB fabric without direct performance bottlenecks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the networking function into distinct components: a translation layer that handles address conversion, a routing layer that manages packet forwarding between traditional networks and InfiniBand fabric, and a performance optimization layer that leverages InfiniBand's high-speed capabilities. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between compatibility and performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If data packets are routed through external networks for processing, then network flexibility and service accessibility are improved, but communication overhead and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new dimension to network communication by implementing parallel processing paths: critical time-sensitive data can be routed directly through the high-speed InfiniBand fabric, while less time-sensitive data can use traditional network paths. This dimensional approach to routing allows the system to optimize for speed when necessary while maintaining flexibility for other scenarios, eliminating the time penalty associated with external network routing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If native data processing is implemented within the IB fabric, then performance and speed are improved, but system complexity and addressing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing speedVSAvoidaddressing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal addressing system that can handle both traditional network addresses and InfiniBand identifiers through a single translation and routing infrastructure. The routing tables and translation mechanisms are designed to be multi-functional, supporting IP addresses, MAC addresses, GIDs, and LIDs within a unified framework. This universality reduces the perceived complexity by providing a consistent interface for diverse addressing schemes while enabling high-speed native processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9577928B2System and method for supporting data service addressing in an engineered system for middleware and application execution
Publication Date: 2017.02.21 ORACLE INT CORP
  • US9577928B2 patent drawing
  • US9577928B2 patent drawing
  • US9577928B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method can support data service address resolution in a network environment. An intermediate node can receive an incoming data packet from a source node, wherein the incoming data packet targets a destination node, and wherein the incoming data packet includes a global identifier for the destination node and a local identifier for the intermediate node. Furthermore, the intermediate node can obtain local addressing information for the destination node based on the global identifier for the destination node. Then, the intermediate node can send an outgoing data packet to the destination node based on the obtained local addressing information for the destination node.