I/O Adapter Feature Tag Reassignment for Path Group Load Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computing systems face inefficiencies in managing I/O operations due to the coexistence of legacy and upgraded I/O adapters providing redundant functionality, leading to underutilization of adapters with enhanced features and insufficient availability of required features during I/O operations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a mechanism to dynamically reconfigure I/O adapters based on feature tags, allowing underutilized adapters to be reassigned to path groups with higher demand for specific features, thereby optimizing adapter utilization and balancing load across path groups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If legacy and upgraded I/O adapters coexist to provide redundant functionality, then system reliability is improved, but adapter utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidadapter utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of I/O adapters by feature tag groups, allowing the system to adaptively adjust adapter assignments based on real-time utilization statistics and demand patterns. This dynamic approach enables legacy and upgraded adapters to be dynamically allocated to different path groups, improving both reliability through redundancy and productivity through optimized utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors I/O adapter utilization statistics and dynamically reconfigures adapters when utilization exceeds configurable threshold values. By changing the operational parameters (feature tag group assignments) based on monitored statistics, the system resolves the contradiction between maintaining redundant functionality and optimizing adapter utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If upgraded I/O adapters with enhanced features are deployed, then system capability is improved, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capabilityVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning specific feature tags to different I/O adapters based on their capabilities and the requirements of path groups. Upgraded adapters with enhanced features are selectively assigned to path groups that require those specific features, while legacy adapters handle path groups with standard requirements. This localized optimization improves resource allocation efficiency while maintaining system capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates multiple feature tag groups that can be universally applied across different path groups based on feature requirements. I/O adapters can be dynamically reassigned between feature tag groups, allowing upgraded adapters to serve multiple functions across different path groups as needed, thereby improving resource allocation efficiency while maintaining enhanced system capability.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual reconfiguration of I/O adapters is performed, then adapter assignment flexibility is improved, but system complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter assignment flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automated monitoring and reconfiguration of I/O adapters. The system automatically monitors utilization statistics, detects when reconfiguration is needed based on configurable thresholds, and performs dynamic reassignment of adapters between feature tag groups without manual intervention. This automation maintains adapter assignment flexibility while reducing system complexity by eliminating manual configuration tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors I/O adapter utilization statistics and uses this feedback to automatically trigger reconfiguration when threshold values are exceeded. This closed-loop feedback mechanism provides the flexibility of manual reconfiguration through automated decision-making, improving adapter assignment flexibility while reducing system complexity by replacing manual processes with autonomous feedback-driven control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250384004A1Feature management for input/output (i/o) adapters
Publication Date: 2025.12.18 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US20250384004A1 patent drawing
  • US20250384004A1 patent drawing
  • US20250384004A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, system, and program product are provided. Based on feature tag, which I/O adapters access same endpoint for each source/destination pair are identified. I/O adapter utilization statistics are continuously monitored based on feature tag demand for each of a plurality of feature tag groups. Based on detecting I/O adapter utilization statistics for a feature tag group being above a configurable threshold value, dynamically reconfiguring the I/O adapters by feature tag across path groups, whereby an underutilized I/O adapter is removed from the feature tag group being above the configurable threshold value and added to an overutilized feature tag group.