Network Interface Driver Pathway Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage processors in IP-based SANs experience latency due to the need to examine destination port numbers for each packet to differentiate between iSCSI and TCP/IP traffic, and require separate PCI bus addresses for iSCSI and non-iSCSI functions during boot-up.
Innovation Solution
A storage processor with a network interface device configured to perform multiple functions, where a processing unit receives a network function identifier to establish separate pathways between the network interface device and operating system drivers, allowing the network interface device to access multiple drivers through a single bus address, thereby reducing latency by offloading the driver selection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware logic examines destination port number for each packet to differentiate between iSCSI and TCP/IP traffic, then traffic can be directed to appropriate driver, but latency is added to communications session
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing separate PCI bus pathways for iSCSI and TCP/IP traffic during system initialization, before actual packet processing begins. The host bus adapter is configured with distinct pathways that automatically route traffic based on protocol type without requiring per-packet examination, thus eliminating latency while maintaining accurate traffic differentiation.
2Ease of operation
If separate PCI bus addresses are used for iSCSI and non-iSCSI functions during boot-up, then driver selection is simplified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the host bus adapter into separate functional pathways for iSCSI and TCP/IP operations. Each pathway has its own dedicated PCI bus address and associated driver, allowing the system to treat different protocol types as separate functional units. This segmentation simplifies driver selection while the internal integration of the single physical device manages the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The host bus adapter implements multi-functionality by consolidating both iSCSI and TCP/IP capabilities within a single device that presents multiple PCI bus addresses. This universal design allows one physical device to handle multiple protocol types, reducing the number of separate hardware components needed while maintaining simplified driver selection through distinct address spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing unit is configured to establish a driver relationship between a network interface driver and a network interface device, the network interface device being configured to carry out multiple functions through the operating system. The processing unit is also configured to associate the network interface driver with a first driver of the operating system to provide a first function pathway between the network interface device and the first driver of the operating system through the network interface driver. The processing unit is also configured to associate the network interface driver with a second driver of the operating system to provide a second function pathway between the network interface device and the second driver of the operating system through the network interface driver. The first function pathway and the second function pathway allow the network interface device to carry out the multiple functions through the operating system.