Multi-Mode NVMeoF Storage Platform for Shared PCIe and Ethernet Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NVMe and NVMeoF technologies face inefficiencies in utilizing the PCIe bus lanes, leading to underutilization and requiring separate hardware for different modes, which increases costs and deployment time.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode NVMeoF device that can operate in both NVMe and NVMeoF modes, utilizing a single platform with shared PCIe and Ethernet signals, enabling self-configuration based on product information and supporting dual-path and high-availability operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate hardware is used for NVMe and NVMeoF modes, then device functionality is ensured, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal hardware platform that supports both NVMe and NVMeoF modes through a single device. The storage device includes a processor that can execute different protocol stacks (NVMe protocol stack and NVMeoF protocol stack) and a network interface that adapts to different connection types (PCIe bus or fabric network). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate hardware for different modes, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate hardware is used for NVMe and NVMeoF modes, then mode-specific optimization is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is manufactured as a single universal platform that can operate in both NVMe and NVMeoF modes. The processor is configured with multiple protocol stacks and the network interface is designed to handle both PCIe and fabric network protocols. This unified manufacturing approach reduces production costs by eliminating the need to manufacture separate hardware variants for different modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses configurable parameters to switch between NVMe and NVMeoF modes. The processor can be configured to execute different protocol stacks, and the network interface can be configured for different connection types. These parameter changes allow a single manufactured device to adapt to different operational modes without requiring separate hardware production lines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate hardware is used for NVMe and NVMeoF modes, then mode-specific performance is optimized, but deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is pre-configured with both NVMe and NVMeoF protocol stacks during manufacturing, enabling it to operate in either mode immediately upon deployment. The device can self-configure based on the detected connection type (PCIe bus or fabric network), eliminating the need for time-consuming post-deployment configuration or hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device performs self-configuration when deployed. The processor detects the connection type and automatically configures the appropriate protocol stack and network interface settings. This self-service capability reduces deployment time by eliminating manual configuration steps and hardware changes.
4Productivity
If PCIe bus lanes are shared between Ethernet and NVMe, then resource utilization improves, but signal interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically allocates PCIe bus lanes based on the operational mode. When operating in NVMe mode, the device uses PCIe lanes for storage communication. When operating in NVMeoF mode, the device uses PCIe lanes for network fabric communication. This dynamic allocation ensures that PCIe lanes are fully utilized without simultaneous conflicting signals, preventing interference while maximizing resource productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a fabric switch including a motherboard, a baseboard management controller (BMC), a network switch configured to transport network signals, and a PCIe switch configured to transport PCIe signals; a midplane; and a plurality of device ports. Each of the plurality of device ports is configured to connect a storage device to the motherboard of the fabric switch over the midplane and carry the network signals and the PCIe signals over the midplane. The storage device is configurable in multiple modes based a protocol established over a fabric connection between the system and the storage device.