Network Interface Selection for Storage Bandwidth Contention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bandwidth contention between operating system critical storage operations and other data traffic over common physical network interfaces can lead to performance issues and system failures in networked computing systems.
Innovation Solution
A method to dynamically select physical network interfaces, prioritizing those that do not handle operating system critical storage operations over those that do, to minimize contention and ensure reliable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple data traffic types share the same physical network interface, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but bandwidth contention increases leading to performance degradation and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into different types (storage operations vs. non-critical traffic) and assigns different physical network interfaces to each type. This segmentation eliminates bandwidth contention between critical storage operations and other data traffic, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated interface selection.
2Reliability
If physical network interfaces are dynamically selected based on traffic type, then bandwidth contention is minimized and reliability is improved, but device complexity and selection algorithm complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting traffic types and selecting appropriate physical network interfaces without manual intervention. The operating system autonomously determines which interfaces should handle storage operations versus non-critical traffic, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration while maintaining high reliability through automated interface selection based on traffic characteristics.
3Reliability
If critical storage operations are prioritized over other traffic, then system stability is improved, but productivity of non-critical operations may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting traffic into critical storage operations and non-critical data traffic, and assigning separate physical network interfaces to each segment, the system ensures that critical operations receive priority without completely blocking non-critical traffic. This segmentation enables simultaneous execution of both traffic types on different interfaces, maintaining overall productivity while ensuring system stability through priority treatment of critical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, program product and method dynamically select a physical network interface for use by an application running on a networked computer in a manner that attempts to minimize bandwidth contention between application-related operations and any operating system critical storage operations that may be initiated by an operating system resident on the same networked computer. The dynamic selection prioritizes at least one physical network interface that does not handle operating system critical storage operations over at least one physical network interface that does handle operating system critical storage operations, thus minimizing the likelihood of the application causing poor performance and/or failure of the operating system due to contention over limited network resources.