I/O Aggregation Device Virtual Device Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional I/O virtualization solutions are limited by hardware constraints, allowing only a finite number of virtualized devices, such as virtual network interface cards (vNICs) and virtual host bus adapters (vHBAs), which are dependent on physical device capabilities, restricting their scalability and flexibility in data centers.

Innovation Solution

An I/O aggregation device generates an unbounded number of virtual devices independently of physical devices, allowing each server node to access a dynamic and unconstrained set of virtual devices, including vNICs and vHBAs, which can be created at boot time or dynamically adjusted at runtime to address resource bottlenecks, enabling efficient use of network resources without requiring hypervisor intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional I/O virtualization solutions are used, then physical device capabilities can be utilized, but the number of virtualized devices is limited and constrained by hardware requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of virtualized devicesVSAvoidflexibility in device configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual devices that copy the functional characteristics of physical devices without being constrained by physical hardware limitations. The virtual device generator produces virtual network interface cards, virtual storage devices, and other virtualized I/O devices that emulate physical device behavior while enabling unlimited数量的 device creation independent of physical constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/hardware-based device allocation system with a software-based virtual device generation system. Instead of being limited by physical NICs, HBAs, or storage controllers, the system uses software to generate virtual devices on demand, substituting the mechanical constraints of hardware with flexible software abstraction layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If physical devices are shared among multiple server nodes, then hardware resource utilization is improved, but device allocation becomes constrained by physical hardware limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware resource utilizationVSAvoiddevice allocation management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the I/O device space into virtual device instances that can be independently allocated to different server nodes. The virtual device generator creates separate virtual device instances (vNICs, vHBAs, virtual storage devices) that can be assigned to any server node, enabling fine-grained resource sharing without physical hardware constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual device generator provides universal device generation capabilities that can create any type of virtual I/O device (network interface cards, host bus adapters, storage devices, display adapters) on demand. This universal generator can serve multiple server nodes with different device types, enabling flexible multi-functional resource allocation independent of physical hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If virtual devices are created dynamically at runtime, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveruntime resource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidvirtual device generation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual device generator is pre-configured with templates and definitions for various virtual device types. When a server node needs a virtual device, the generator can rapidly instantiate the appropriate virtual device based on pre-defined configurations, enabling runtime flexibility without requiring complex real-time decision-making or configuration processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9154451B2Systems and methods for sharing devices in a virtualization environment

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC

AI summary

Described are systems and methods for communication between a plurality of electronic devices and an aggregation device. An aggregation device processes instructions related to a configuration of an electronic device in communication with the aggregation device. One or more virtual devices are generated in response to processing the instructions. The electronic device enumerates a configuration space to determine devices for use by the electronic device. The aggregation device detects an access of the configuration space by the electronic device. The one or more virtual devices are presented from the aggregation device to the electronic device in accordance with the instructions.