Network Device Selection via CPU Socket Affinity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems do not efficiently select network interface controllers based on locality, leading to reduced network communication efficiency and increased latency due to fixed, pre-determined assignments that do not consider actual communication characteristics.
Innovation Solution
Implement a system where network devices and CPU sockets are dynamically selected based on their relative affinity and locality of communication coupling, using processes to associate virtual NIC instances with physical NIC driver instances and switch circuitry to optimize packet transmission through local network devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed, pre-determined network interface controller assignments are used, then device complexity is reduced, but network communication efficiency deteriorates and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network interface controller selection based on real-time locality conditions. The system continuously evaluates which NIC provides the most efficient access path for each socket/CPU, changing assignments dynamically rather than using fixed pre-determined configurations. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt NIC assignments to current operational conditions, improving network communication efficiency without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the performance characteristics of different NIC access paths. By evaluating actual communication patterns and locality conditions, the system receives feedback about which NIC assignments are most efficient and adjusts accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain optimal network communication efficiency while managing assignment complexity automatically.
2Ease of operation
If fixed, pre-determined network interface controller assignments are used, then ease of operation is improved, but network communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically evaluating and selecting the optimal network interface controller for each socket/CPU based on locality conditions. Rather than requiring manual configuration or complex operator intervention, the system autonomously determines the best NIC assignments and implements them dynamically. This maintains ease of operation while reducing latency through intelligent automatic selection.
3Productivity
If locality-based network interface controller selection is implemented, then network communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network interface controller selection process into manageable components: evaluating locality conditions for each socket/CPU, determining optimal NIC assignments, and implementing the selections. By breaking down the complex selection process into discrete segments that can be evaluated and implemented independently, the system improves network communication efficiency while managing the overall complexity through structured organization.
4Loss of time
If locality-based network interface controller selection is implemented, then network communication latency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of locality conditions and pre-determines optimal network interface controller assignments before actual network communication occurs. By evaluating and selecting the best NIC paths in advance, based on socket/CPU locality conditions, the system reduces communication latency while managing complexity through proactive rather than reactive selection.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment may include circuitry that may be capable of selecting, from network devices, at least one network device to which at least one packet is to be transmitted. The network devices may be associated, at least in part, with each other in at least one link aggregation. The circuitry may select the at least one network device based at least in part upon a relative degree of affinity that the at least one network device may have with respect to at least one central processing unit (CPU) socket that may be associated, at least in part, with at least one flow to which the at least one packet may belong. The relative degree of affinity may be relative to respective degrees of affinity that one or more others of the network devices may have with respect to the at least one CPU socket. Many modifications are possible.