Network Interface Controller Workload Distribution via Extrinsic Entropy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In compute devices with multiple processor cores, existing network interface controllers (NICs) often struggle to distribute network packet workload efficiently, leading to uneven processing queues and potential overload, as they rely solely on intrinsic packet information, which can result in packets with similar characteristics being routed to the same queue.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a compute device that classifies network packets based on both intrinsic and extrinsic entropy information, using a network interface controller to determine the appropriate packet processing queue by selecting an entropy profile that considers arrival time and order, thereby distributing packets more evenly across multiple processor cores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the NIC distributes workload based solely on intrinsic packet information, then the routing decision process is simple, but the workload distribution becomes uneven and queues become overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using only intrinsic packet information (single dimension) to incorporating both intrinsic and extrinsic entropy information (multiple dimensions). This dimensional expansion enables more effective workload distribution across multiple processor cores by considering additional packet characteristics beyond those traditionally used for routing decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for routing decisions by introducing extrinsic entropy information (such as arrival time and packet order) alongside intrinsic packet information. This parameter expansion transforms the routing decision process from a simple hash-based approach to a more sophisticated multi-parameter evaluation that achieves better workload balance.
2Ease of operation
If the NIC uses only intrinsic packet characteristics for routing, then the routing logic is straightforward, but packets with similar characteristics are routed to the same queue causing overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds extrinsic entropy dimensions to the routing decision process, moving from a single-dimensional intrinsic information approach to a multi-dimensional approach that includes arrival time and packet order. This dimensional enhancement maintains routing logic simplicity while significantly improving queue load balance and preventing overload conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces extrinsic entropy information as an intermediary factor that mediates between packets with similar intrinsic characteristics. This intermediary element differentiates routing decisions for packets that would otherwise be routed to the same queue, thereby distributing load more evenly while keeping the routing logic relatively simple.
3Productivity
If the NIC analyzes multiple packet characteristics to achieve even distribution, then workload distribution improves, but the analysis complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary extraction of entropy information from packet headers and arrival metadata before the main routing decision is made. By pre-computing intrinsic and extrinsic entropy values, the system reduces the complexity of the final routing analysis while achieving even workload distribution across processor cores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-parameter analysis with a simplified entropy-based calculation system. Instead of analyzing multiple packet characteristics separately and combining their effects, the system substitutes this with direct entropy computation from packet headers and arrival information, reducing analysis complexity while maintaining effective workload distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies for distributing network packet workload are disclosed. A compute device may receive a network packet and determine network packet extrinsic entropy information that is based on information that is not part of the contents of the network packet, such as an arrival time of the network packet. The compute device may use the extrinsic entropy information to assign the network packet to one of several packet processing queues. Since the assignment of network packets to the packet processing queues depend at least in part on extrinsic entropy information, similar or even identical packets will not necessarily be assigned to the same packet processing queue.