NIC-Based File Access to Cut RDMA Interaction Overhead
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current file access methods between a client and a server require multiple interactions, which are inefficient and time-consuming, especially when using the remote direct memory access (RDMA) protocol for file read and write operations.
Innovation Solution
A file access method where a network interface card directly processes file access requests by parsing file identifiers to access files in a memory without processor intervention, reducing the need for multiple interactions and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the processor of the first device processes file access requests, then file access can be performed, but file access efficiency is low due to multiple interactions required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file access processing function from the processor to the network interface card. The NIC is divided into specific modules (receiving module, parsing module, access module, sending module) that independently handle file access requests, separating this function from the main processor to enable parallel processing and reduce processor burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface card is empowered to independently process file access requests without requiring processor intervention. The NIC receives requests, parses file identifiers, accesses files in memory, and sends responses autonomously, making the system self-service for file access operations and eliminating multiple interaction cycles.
2Speed
If multiple interactions are performed between client and server for file read and write, then complete file access is achieved, but access speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the file access processing logic from the traditional client-server interaction model and embeds it directly in the network interface card. By taking out the file identifier parsing and file access functions from the processor and placing them in the NIC, the system reduces the number of interaction cycles between client and server while maintaining complete file access functionality.
3Productivity
If the network interface card directly processes file access requests without processor intervention, then file access efficiency is improved, but the network interface card complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by endowing specific modules within the network interface card with specialized functions for file access processing. Rather than making the entire NIC complex, only specific modules (receiving, parsing, access, sending modules) are enhanced with file access capabilities, maintaining overall system simplicity while enabling efficient file access in targeted areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A file access method includes that a second device may initiate a file access request to a first device, where the file access request includes a file identifier of a file. After receiving the file access request, a network interface card of the first device may directly parse the file access request to obtain the file identifier carried in the file access request, then access the file in a memory of the first device based on the file identifier, and send a file access response to the second device. When the first device receives the file access request, the network interface card of the first device may process the file access request without intervention of a processor of the first device.