IOMMU Memory Allocation Without Processor Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face inefficiencies in memory allocation, particularly when devices request storage without interacting with the processor or operating system, leading to increased processor cycles and memory management complexities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an Input/Output Memory Management Unit (IOMMU) that allocates memory storage without processor or operating system interaction, adds page table entries, provides configuration information, and manages memory protection, access control, and allocation limits, enabling efficient storage allocation and data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the processor or operating system interacts with each memory allocation request from a device, then memory allocation can be managed with full control and coordination, but processor cycles are increased and system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an IOMMU (Input-Output Memory Management Unit) as an intermediary component between the device and the processor/operating system. The IOMMU handles memory allocation requests from devices independently, managing address translation and memory protection without requiring processor intervention. This mediator approach allows the system to maintain reliable memory allocation control through the IOMMU's dedicated memory management capabilities while preventing processor cycle waste by eliminating the need for processor-OS-device interaction loops.
2Adaptability or versatility
If memory is allocated without contiguous physical storage to support virtualization, then memory utilization and virtualization capabilities are improved, but memory access complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing memory management into distinct functional layers: the IOMMU handles address translation and allocation logic, while the processor and operating system focus on high-level resource management. This segmentation allows non-contiguous memory allocation for virtualization by enabling the IOMMU to manage scattered physical pages through page table structures, reducing the complexity burden from the processor and OS while supporting flexible memory utilization.
3Reliability
If additional memory protection and access control mechanisms are implemented, then system security and stability are improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the IOMMU to autonomously enforce memory protection and access control policies without requiring continuous processor or operating system intervention. The IOMMU maintains its own page table structures and independently validates memory access requests from devices, providing robust protection mechanisms while preventing the complexity and overhead that would arise from processor-managed protection schemes. This self-service approach allows the IOMMU to act as an independent security boundary.
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, methods, and/or processes may configure an input/output memory management unit; may receive, from a device associated with an information handling system, a request for an allocation of storage of a memory medium of the information handling system; may allocate the storage of the memory medium without an interaction with a processor of the information handling system and without an interaction with an operating system executed by the processor; may add a table entry, associated with the allocation of storage of the memory medium, to a page table; may provide update information to the operating system; may provide a success response to the device; may store first data from the device; and may provide second data to the device.