I/O Switch Virtual Switch Configuration for Throughput Imbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems with I/O controllers connected to I/O devices through an I/O switch experience varying throughput across ports, depending on the number of connected devices, leading to reduced overall throughput.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with management controllers that manage connection states and virtual switches to optimize the number of virtual switches for each I/O switch, ensuring consistent and improved throughput across all ports by dynamically setting virtual switches based on configuration management information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of virtual switches is not adjusted according to the number of connected I/O devices, then the system structure remains simple, but the throughput deviation between ports increases and overall throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The management controller automatically detects the connection state between I/O controller ports and I/O devices, and autonomously determines and sets the appropriate number of virtual switches without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive to actual device connections while maintaining simple operation for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the number of virtual switches as a configurable parameter based on the detected connection state. When more I/O devices are connected to a port, the management controller increases the number of virtual switches for that port, thereby optimizing throughput. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and achieving high throughput.
2Productivity
If a fixed number of virtual switches is used for all ports, then the configuration is simple, but the throughput varies significantly between ports with different numbers of connected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed virtual switch configuration to a dynamic configuration that adapts to the actual number of connected I/O devices. The management controller continuously monitors connection states and adjusts the number of virtual switches accordingly, ensuring that each port has an optimal number of virtual switches matched to its device load, thereby achieving throughput consistency across all ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The management controller implements a feedback mechanism by detecting the connection state between I/O controller ports and I/O devices, comparing it with the current virtual switch configuration, and adjusting the virtual switch numbers to optimize throughput. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by automatically maintaining throughput consistency while managing the complexity of dynamic configurations.
3Productivity
If manual configuration of virtual switches is performed, then the system requires less automated management, but the throughput optimization cannot adapt to changing connection states
Solution Approach 1:
The management controller performs automatic detection of connection states and autonomous determination of optimal virtual switch numbers, eliminating the need for manual configuration. This self-service automation resolves the contradiction by continuously optimizing throughput based on actual device connections while reducing the burden of manual management on system operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The management controller proactively detects connection states and pre-configures the appropriate number of virtual switches before throughput degradation occurs. By performing preliminary detection and configuration actions, the system maintains optimal throughput performance without requiring reactive manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between automation extent and throughput optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer achieves an increase in throughput by controlling a connection state between each port of an I/O controller and an I/O switch, thereby improving throughput imbalance between the ports of the I/O controller. The computer is provided with: an I/O switch; an I/O device connected to the I/O switch; a management controller; and an I/O controller including a plurality of ports. The management controller detects a connection state with the I/O switch, and acquires the number of virtual switches associated with the detected connection state with the I/O switch by referring to configuration management information for managing the connection state with the I/O switch in association with the number of the virtual switches. The management controller sets the acquired number of the virtual switches for each I/O switch that is connected. Each port of the I/O controller connects with the I/O device via the virtual switches that are set.