Network Interface Device Switching for Serial Information Handling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large networks of information handling systems face inefficiencies due to the complexity and power consumption of routers, which slow down the process of determining and forwarding communications to their targets.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a network interface device with a switch and controller that directs communications based on target location numbers, allowing for efficient routing within a network of serially coupled information handling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a router is used to manage large networks of information handling systems, then the network can be coupled between several to several hundred systems, but the router becomes large and complex and consumes large amounts of power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into multiple segments, each served by a separate network interface device (NIC) rather than using a single large router. Each NIC handles a specific segment of the network, reducing the complexity burden on any single device while maintaining overall network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to network management by coupling information handling systems in series rather than using a flat router-based topology. This serial coupling with target location numbers creates a new dimension for addressing and routing, allowing large networks to be managed through simpler, specialized NICs.
2Productivity
If a router is used to determine the target of communications and forward them, then communications can be routed to target information handling systems, but it takes a long time for the router to determine and forward communications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring target location numbers and associated routing information at each network interface device. This allows communications to be forwarded directly to the correct target without requiring complex real-time determination by a central router, significantly reducing routing time.
Solution Approach 2:
Each network interface device operates autonomously to determine whether a received communication is for itself or needs to be forwarded to another target. This self-service capability eliminates the need for centralized router processing, reducing the time required for communication determination and forwarding.
3Productivity
If traditional routers are used for network communication, then communications can be managed across large networks, but the complexity and power consumption reduce overall network efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the routing function from complex, power-intensive routers and implements it through simple, low-power network interface devices. By removing the heavy routing processing from centralized routers and distributing it to simple NICs, the system reduces overall power consumption while maintaining network efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A network interface device includes a host port, two network ports, and a switch that can direct communications between the host port, and the two network ports. A data processing system includes an information handling system coupled to a first network, and second and third information handling systems. The information handling systems are coupled in series. Communications received by the network that are addressed to the first information handling system are sent to the first information handling system, but not to the second or third information handling system. A method includes directing a communication from an information handling system to a first port when the communication has a target address that is less than the address of the information handling system or to a second port when the communication has a target address that is greater than the address of the information handling system.