Network Interface Bypassing Hypervisor for Data Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a multi-operating-system environment, existing network interface configurations cannot efficiently direct incoming data to the correct operating system or application based on destination MAC addresses, leading to reduced efficiency and increased processing load on the hypervisor.
Innovation Solution
A computer system and method where at least one operating system detects the destination of a data message and configures the data interface to bypass the first operating system for subsequent data messages with a common format, using a data interface that can automatically associate data formats with corresponding destinations and buffers, and optionally deconfigures when traffic conditions change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the network interface uses a conventional configuration with look-up tables to direct incoming data to the correct operating system or application, then data can be directed to the appropriate destination, but the processing load on the hypervisor increases and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data format identification and buffer selection logic from the hypervisor and implements it directly in the network interface hardware. The network interface now contains logic to identify data formats (such as TCP/IP protocols) and directly select appropriate buffers without hypervisor intervention, thereby reducing hypervisor processing load while maintaining correct data routing
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface is configured to autonomously direct incoming data to the correct buffers by identifying data formats and selecting corresponding buffers without requiring hypervisor intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex look-up tables and reduces processing overhead, allowing the system to handle multiple operating systems efficiently
2Reliability
If the network interface directs all incoming data through the hypervisor for routing decisions, then correct data delivery to multiple operating systems is ensured, but processing speed and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by establishing associations between data formats and buffers before data arrival. The network interface is pre-configured with multiple buffers and their corresponding data format identifiers, enabling immediate direct routing upon data arrival without requiring real-time hypervisor intervention, thus ensuring both reliability and speed
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer system comprising: hardware including a data interface for interfacing between the computer system and a data source; a memory; a first operating system capable of communicating with the hardware; and a second operating system capable of supporting a user-level application and being configured to communicate with the hardware via the first operating system, the second operating system being capable of allocating a region of the memory for use as a buffer by such a user-level application; wherein the data interface is configurable to associate a predetermined data format with a region of the memory that has been allocated for use as a buffer by a user-level application supported by the second operating system and to, on receiving from the data source a data message of that format, automatically store data of that message in that region of the memory without it passing via the first or second operating systems.