Dynamic NIC Allocation via Expansion Bus Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network communication resource allocation in data centers is statically mapped, leading to difficulties in workload balancing due to issues with network density, bandwidth capacity, and heterogeneity of network interface controllers (NICs), resulting in saturation or underutilization of resources.

Innovation Solution

A system for dynamic allocation of network communication resources, where a data center resource manager adjusts the allocation of NICs based on telemetry data and predefined utilization thresholds, using an expansion bus switch to ensure that the utilization meets the required performance levels defined by service level agreements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If NICs are statically allocated to compute devices, then resource allocation is simple and stable, but workload balancing deteriorates due to saturation or underutilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation stabilityVSAvoidworkload balancing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic NIC allocation where the resource manager continuously monitors utilization metrics and automatically adjusts NIC assignment to compute devices based on current workload demands. This transforms the static allocation model into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions, resolving the contradiction between allocation stability and workload balancing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring NIC utilization metrics and using this information to make informed allocation decisions. The resource manager receives feedback on resource usage patterns and adjusts allocations accordingly, enabling the system to maintain both stability through controlled changes and improved productivity through data-driven optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of manufacture

If NICs are allocated based on initial workload requirements, then allocation process is simple, but resource utilization deteriorates when workload varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveallocation process simplicityVSAvoidresource utilization reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resource manager autonomously monitors NIC utilization and performs reallocation without requiring manual intervention or complex initial planning. The system serves itself by automatically detecting utilization patterns and adjusting allocations, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability through adaptive behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes allocation parameters dynamically based on monitored utilization metrics. Rather than fixing allocations based on initial estimates, the resource manager adjusts NIC assignment parameters in response to actual workload conditions, ensuring reliable resource utilization while keeping the overall process automated and simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If static NIC mapping is used, then system complexity is low, but adaptability to varying bandwidth requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidbandwidth adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The resource manager serves multiple functions: monitoring NIC utilization, analyzing workload patterns, making allocation decisions, and managing the expansion bus switch. This universal controller handles diverse tasks within a single system component, improving bandwidth adaptability while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion bus switch acts as an intermediary between the resource manager and NICs, enabling flexible reconfiguration without requiring direct changes to each NIC's configuration. This intermediary layer simplifies the system architecture while providing the adaptability needed to respond to varying bandwidth requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11805070B2Technologies for flexible and automatic mapping of disaggregated network communication resources

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Technologies for dynamic allocation of network communication resources includes a resource manager server to allocate a set of network communication resources to a compute device through an expansion bus switch that is coupled to the compute device and to the network communication resources. The resource manager server obtains telemetry data indicative of a present utilization of the allocated set of network communication resources and determines whether the present utilization satisfies a predefined utilization threshold. Additionally, the resource manager server adjusts, through the expansion bus switch and in response to a determination that the present utilization does not satisfy the predefined utilization threshold, an amount of network communication resources in the set to the compute device.