Multi-Domain Connection Management Using Single Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing full-duplex connectivity between multiple domains in a multi-domain InfiniBand environment is challenging due to the need for numerous connections, which is impractical with conventional reliable connections, and existing APIs do not efficiently manage two half-duplex connections as a single logical connection, leading to issues with error recovery and initiator role selection.
Innovation Solution
The method involves establishing two half-duplex connections between local and remote nodes and managing them as a full-duplex connection using a single connection management identifier and private payloads, with deterministic selection of the initiator role and reduced reliance on negotiation between nodes, allowing for efficient full-duplex connectivity with fewer connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional reliable connections are used to establish full-duplex connectivity between multiple domains, then connectivity is achieved, but the number of connections required becomes impractically large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two half-duplex connections into a single logical full-duplex connection by using a single connection management identifier. This allows bidirectional communication between domains without requiring separate connections for each direction, thereby reducing the total number of connections needed while maintaining full-duplex functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection management identifier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies both half-duplex connections, manages error recovery for both directions, and enables initiator role selection. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate management mechanisms for each connection.
2Ease of operation
If two half-duplex connections are managed separately, then each connection can be controlled independently, but error recovery and initiator role selection become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The single connection management identifier provides a unified interface for managing both half-duplex connections. It handles error recovery, initiator role selection, and connectivity state transitions in a unified manner, simplifying the state machine and making the system easier to operate while maintaining the ability to control each connection independently when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous connections are established for multi-domain connectivity, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but network traffic and establishment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining two half-duplex connections into a single logical full-duplex connection managed by one identifier, the patent reduces the number of connection establishment operations required. This decreases the time needed to establish connectivity between domains while maintaining comprehensive domain coverage through the unified connection management approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product and computer system achieves full-mesh connectivity between any two domains in a multi-domain computing environment such as an Infiniband or Converged Ethernet environment. A connection between two domains is established using a single connection management identifier, and private payloads in connection management datagrams, to drive full-duplex connectivity over a pair of half-duplex connections. The half-duplex connections are established using one connection request, and one connection ID object. A connection management object interfaces between the two connected domains. The connection management object handles communications across the half-duplex connections while the connected applications operate as if they are communicating over a full-duplex connection.