Network Interface Login Management via Host Memory Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data storage systems face memory-limited login capacity and latency issues during transactions, limiting their ability to efficiently manage logins and storage operations.
Innovation Solution
A network interface system with a modular architecture that includes a Host I/O module, Network I/O module, and Interface Manager module, which utilizes data structures like Remote Port Indicator (RPI) and Exchange Resource Index (XRI) to manage logins and transactions, allowing for efficient memory utilization and reduced latency by optimizing communication protocols and buffer management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional memory-limited login capacity is used, then the system can manage logins with existing memory resources, but the number of manageable logins is limited and additional memory is required to increase login capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of login management data structures by implementing a login cache that stores login information in host memory rather than requiring dedicated memory in the network interface. This allows the system to manage more logins without proportionally increasing physical memory resources at the network interface level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves login management from a single-dimension local memory model to a multi-dimensional model utilizing host system memory resources. By implementing a login cache in host memory and using descriptor rings for communication, the system accesses login information across different memory dimensions, effectively increasing login capacity without adding proportional memory to the network interface.
2Productivity
If conventional transaction processing is used, then the system can handle storage transactions, but latency issues occur during write operations and other transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing login connections and caching login information before transactions are needed. The login cache pre-loads and stores authentication data, and descriptor rings pre-configure buffer information, so that when transactions occur, the system can proceed without time-consuming authentication lookups or buffer configurations during the actual transaction execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically manages login state and buffer information without requiring host system intervention for each transaction. The login cache autonomously maintains authentication state, and the descriptor ring buffer management automatically handles buffer allocation and status tracking, reducing transaction latency by eliminating host system round-trips for these operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing logins and/or conducting data storage transactions, for example in a network interface. One exemplary embodiment comprises a method for interfacing a mass storage target system with a plurality of initiators. The method includes creating a data structure in local memory of a network interface chip to, at least in part, manage one or more logins; storing information comprising service parameter information m the data structure; and receiving a login request for a login comprising service parameter information. The method further includes comparing the service parameter information of the login request to the service parameter information stored in the data structure; determining, based at least in part on said comparing, to utilize the data structure to manage the login; and managing the login with the network interface chip using at least the data structure.