MVIA Module Emulating RDMA Over Ethernet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Storage systems in clusters that lack native RDMA-compatible transport media, such as Ethernet, face performance issues due to increased processor demand and overhead from non-RDMA data transfers, leading to reduced processing capability and inefficient data access operations.

Innovation Solution

A Modified Emulated Virtual Interface Adapter (MVIA) module within the storage operating system emulates RDMA functionality over conventional Ethernet, enabling RDMA operations by creating appropriate packets and ensuring reliable data transmission, thus allowing higher-level modules to operate as if native RDMA was supported.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-RDMA data transfers are used over Ethernet, then storage systems can communicate over conventional transport media, but processor load increases and processing capability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with conventional EthernetVSAvoidprocessing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (RDMA over Ethernet protocol stack) that mediates between the Ethernet transport medium and the storage system's processing functions. This intermediary handles the data transfer operations independently, allowing the processor to focus on higher-level tasks rather than managing low-level data transfer, thus resolving the contradiction between Ethernet compatibility and processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-RDMA data transfers are used, then storage systems can operate over Ethernet without native RDMA support, but data access efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEthernet compatibilityVSAvoiddata access efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical data transfer process (processor-mediated packet assembly and transmission) with a more efficient RDMA-based mechanism where data can be transferred directly between storage systems without full processor involvement. This substitution maintains Ethernet compatibility while dramatically improving data access efficiency by eliminating unnecessary processing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If RDMA operations are emulated over Ethernet, then RDMA functionality is achieved without native support, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRDMA functionalityVSAvoidprotocol implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal RDMA over Ethernet protocol stack that can be deployed across different storage systems and network configurations. This multi-functional protocol handles various RDMA operations (read, write, scatter-gather) through a unified implementation, reducing the overall complexity compared to implementing separate solutions for each operation type while maintaining full RDMA functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8621029B1System and method for providing remote direct memory access over a transport medium that does not natively support remote direct memory access operations

Publication Date: 2013.12.31 NETAPP INC

AI summary

A system and method provides a remote direct memory access over a transport medium that does not natively support remote direct memory access operations. An emulated VI module of a storage operating system emulates RDMA operations over such a medium, e.g., conventional Ethernet, thereby enabling storage. Storage appliances in a cluster configuration utilize the non-RDMA compatible transport medium as a cluster interconnect.