Network Interface Card Metadata Processing Offloading

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices face inefficiencies in data read/write operations due to the processing of metadata, which can lead to increased CPU processing pressure and delays.

Innovation Solution

A metadata processing method in a storage device where the network interface card receives I/O requests, executes metadata processing tasks, and if these tasks fail, requests the CPU to execute them, thereby offloading tasks and reducing CPU pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the CPU executes all metadata processing tasks, then processing reliability is improved, but processing speed deteriorates due to CPU bottleneck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetadata processing reliabilityVSAvoiddata read/write speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments metadata processing tasks between two entities: the network interface card (NIC) handles routine metadata processing tasks, while the CPU handles complex or fallback tasks. This segmentation allows the CPU to focus on critical operations while the NIC handles high-volume routine operations, thereby improving both reliability and speed simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network interface card acts as an intermediary between the storage device and the CPU for metadata processing. Instead of all metadata tasks going directly to the CPU, the NIC first attempts to process them, only involving the CPU when necessary. This intermediary approach reduces CPU burden while maintaining processing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the network interface card executes all metadata processing tasks, then data processing pressure on CPU is reduced, but processing delays increase due to NIC limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCPU processing capacityVSAvoidmetadata processing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic task distribution mechanism where the system adaptively decides whether the NIC or CPU should process metadata tasks based on task complexity and current system state. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize performance by routing simple tasks to the NIC and complex tasks to the CPU, balancing productivity and time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of metadata processing tasks to determine their complexity before execution. Simple tasks are pre-identified and routed directly to the NIC for immediate processing, while complex tasks are flagged for CPU handling. This preliminary classification prevents processing delays by ensuring the right processor handles each task type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If metadata processing is centralized in one component, then system complexity is reduced, but system flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetadata processing architecture complexityVSAvoidmetadata processing flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal metadata processing architecture where both the NIC and CPU are capable of executing metadata processing tasks. The NIC has basic metadata processing functionality for routine operations, while the CPU provides comprehensive processing capability for all task types. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain simplicity in basic operations while gaining flexibility for handling diverse and complex metadata processing requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12223171B2Metadata processing method to improve data read/write efficiency of a storage device

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A metadata processing method includes a network interface card in a storage device that receives an input/output (I/O) request, where the I/O request includes a data read request or a data write request; the network interface card executes a metadata processing task corresponding to the I/O request; and when determining that the metadata processing task fails to be executed, the network interface card requests a CPU in the storage device to execute the metadata processing task.