NIC Buffering for Deferred Asynchronous Event Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
In shared network topologies, Network Controller Sideband Interface (NC-SI) Asynchronous Events Notifications (AENs) and Ethernet frames often cannot be sent to a Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) due to lack of inherent medium-dependent mechanisms for shared access, leading to dropped notifications and frames.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data module within Network Interface Controllers (NICs) to store AENs and Ethernet frames until an opportunity to send them arises, using commands like 'Begin Holding' and 'End Holding' from the BMC to manage buffering and transmission, allowing for deferred notifications even in shared medium topologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NC-SI AENs are sent in shared topologies without medium-dependent mechanisms, then asynchronous event notifications can be transmitted, but data loss occurs due to lack of access control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a data module that pre-queues AENs and Ethernet frames before transmission opportunities arise. The NIC stores notifications in buffer memory (data module) awaiting transmission, performing the action of preparing data for transmission in advance rather than attempting immediate transmission. This preliminary buffering action prevents data loss by ensuring notifications are ready to send as soon as medium access becomes available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data module as an intermediary component between the NIC and the shared medium. This data module acts as a buffer/queue that mediates between the continuous generation of AENs and the intermittent availability of transmission opportunities in shared topologies. The intermediary stores notifications temporarily and releases them when access to the shared medium is granted, preventing data loss while enabling reliable transmission.
2Productivity
If NC-SI commands are continuously exchanged between BMC and NIC, then communication is maintained, but transmission opportunities are limited in shared topologies
Solution Approach 1:
The data module pre-queues multiple AENs and Ethernet frames before a transmission opportunity arises. Instead of sending one notification at a time when medium access is obtained, the NIC prepares a batch of notifications in advance and transmits them efficiently when the shared medium becomes available, reducing the overall waiting time and improving transmission productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping the data module continuously populated with queued AENs and frames. While the NIC waits for transmission opportunities in the shared topology, the data module continuously accumulates notifications, ensuring that transmission activity is maximized whenever medium access is granted, thereby improving overall notification transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for self-service payment based on location and time information are described. In embodiments, a device may include a data module to store one or more Asynchronous Events Notifications (AENs) or Ethernet frames. The device may further include a Network Interface Controller (NIC), coupled to the data module, to send the one or more AENs or Ethernet frames to a Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) in response to receipt of a command from the BMC indicating an opportunity for the NIC to send AENs or Ethernet frames to the BMC. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.