LCS Primary Circuit Board Multi-Host Networking Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information handling systems, such as those following the Open Compute Project (OCP) NIC 3.0 specification, are unable to directly connect networking devices to multiple hosts in a Logically Composed System (LCS), limiting the provisioning of networking functionality to either the host processor or the orchestrator processor.
Innovation Solution
A primary circuit board system that includes a networking device connector configured to connect to a networking device and also couples to the host processing system, along with a first orchestrator device connector that cables to the orchestrator device, enabling the networking device to access both the host and orchestrator processing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a networking device is connected to the host processor via motherboard traces, then the networking device can access the host processing system, but it cannot directly connect to the orchestrator processor
Solution Approach 1:
The primary circuit board is designed with multiple connector types (first connector for host processor, second connector for orchestrator processor, and third connector for networking device) that can be configured in different ways. This universal design allows the same circuit board to support both traditional single-host configurations and modern multi-host LCS configurations, enabling adaptability without requiring different hardware for different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection path is segmented into separate trace configurations: first traces connecting the host processor to the networking device, and second traces connecting the orchestrator processor to the networking device. This segmentation allows independent routing and configuration of connection paths, enabling the networking device to access multiple hosts through distinct trace sets rather than requiring a single unified connection path.
2Productivity
If additional networking devices are provided for the LCS, then networking bandwidth and functionality are enhanced, but the ability to connect to multiple hosts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension of connectivity by introducing a second connection path through the orchestrator processor. Instead of only connecting the networking device to the host processor in a single dimension, the system now operates in two dimensions: host processor connectivity and orchestrator processor connectivity. This dimensional expansion enables networking devices to simultaneously serve multiple hosts without compromising bandwidth or functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the primary circuit board supports both host processor and orchestrator processor connections, then multi-host functionality is enabled, but the connector design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board incorporates dynamic configurability through selectable trace configurations. Different trace sets can be activated or deactivated based on the desired configuration, allowing the same physical board to adapt to different manufacturing scenarios and customer requirements. This dynamic approach simplifies manufacturing by using a single board design that can be configured post-manufacturing rather than requiring multiple specialized board variants.
Data Source
AI summary
An LCS networking device multi-host primary circuit board system includes a primary circuit board having a host processing system that provides an operating system for an LCS. A networking device connector on the circuit board is configured to connect to a networking device that performs networking operation(s) for the LCS, with the networking device connector also coupled via the circuit board to the host processing system to provide a first host coupling that is used by the networking device to access the host processing system. A first orchestrator device connector on the circuit board is configured to cable to an orchestrator device including an orchestrator processing system that performs orchestration operations for the LCS, with the first orchestrator device connector also coupled via the circuit board to the networking device connector to provide a second host coupling that is used by the networking device to access the orchestrator processing system.