Network Interface Device Software Update via Processor Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network interface devices in datacenters face challenges in efficiently updating embedded software without disrupting network traffic, as existing methods often require full re-initialization or may not support seamless upgrades of control plane processes across different processors.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves deploying virtual execution environments on multiple processors to execute control plane and data plane processes, allowing for the updating of embedded software by switching from one control plane process to another without full re-initialization, using communication interfaces for secure and scalable configuration and provisioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If embedded software is updated by full re-initialization of the network interface device, then software updates can be applied, but network traffic is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update capabilityVSAvoidnetwork traffic continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network interface device is segmented into multiple processor instances (first processor and second processor), each capable of executing control plane processes independently. This segmentation allows one processor to handle software updates while the other maintains network traffic, eliminating the need for full device re-initialization and ensuring continuous network operation during updates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A second control plane process is installed and executed on the second processor before the first control plane process is deactivated. This preliminary action ensures that a functional control plane is already in place on the second processor, allowing seamless transition without interrupting network traffic when the first processor is updated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If control plane processes are updated on a single processor, then updates can be applied, but the device lacks flexibility for seamless updates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate capabilityVSAvoidprocessor utilization flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the control plane functionality across multiple processors by having both the first and second processors execute control plane processes simultaneously. This combining of control plane capabilities on multiple processors enables flexible update strategies where one processor can be updated while the other maintains service, enhancing both reliability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20230259352A1Software updates in a network interface device

Publication Date: 2023.08.17 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Examples described herein relate to a network interface device. In some examples, the network interface device includes a network interface device that includes a network interface, a host interface, and multiple processors. In some examples, a first processor of the multiple processors is to execute a first control plane process and an embedded software update is to occur by: installation and execution of a second control plane process on the first processor and a third control plane process is to cause utilization of the second control plane process.