Network Interface Controller Vortex Registers Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parallel computing systems face challenges in achieving low latency and high bandwidth processor-to-network interface performance, particularly in reducing latency and increasing the efficiency of data handling through network interface controllers (NICs) without relying on system processors.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a network interface controller with enhanced vortex registers, utilizing SRAM or DRAM for improved data handling, allowing for simultaneous packet transfers and expanded logical operations, including atomic read-modify-write operations, and features a packet-forming mechanism that combines header and payload data without storing either section in the NIC, thereby reducing latency and increasing data throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If network interface controllers store packet sections (header or payload) in the NIC, then data handling can be performed, but latency increases and data throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the packet storage function from the NIC by using vortex registers located in the processor's memory space rather than storing packets in NIC memory. This allows the processor to directly access packet data without it being copied to or from NIC memory, thereby reducing latency while maintaining full data throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex registers act as an intermediary between the processor and network interface, providing a shared memory space that eliminates the need for data copying. The processor can read/write packet sections directly from/to these registers while the NIC can simultaneously access the same registers, achieving low-latency communication without sacrificing throughput.
2Productivity
If network interface controllers perform complex logical operations, then data handling efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the processor to perform complex logical operations on packet data stored in vortex registers without requiring the NIC to have embedded processing capabilities. The NIC simply provides the interface and memory access, while the processor handles the complex operations, thereby improving data handling efficiency without increasing NIC complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex registers provide a universal interface that the processor can use for multiple purposes: storing packet sections, performing logical operations, and facilitating data transfer. This multi-functional approach allows complex operations to be performed efficiently without requiring dedicated hardware for each function in the NIC.
3Quantity of substance
If network interface controllers use SRAM or DRAM for vortex registers, then data handling capacity increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes existing processor memory resources (vortex registers implemented in SRAM or DRAM) for dual purposes: as general-purpose processor memory and as packet storage for the network interface. This eliminates the need for separate NIC memory subsystems, thereby increasing data handling capacity without adding complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the processor's memory subsystem with the network interface's packet buffer requirements by implementing vortex registers in the processor's SRAM or DRAM. This consolidation allows the same memory resources to serve both the processor and NIC, increasing overall data handling capacity while avoiding duplicate memory hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a data handling apparatus can include a network interface controller configured to interface a processing node to a network. The network interface controller can include a network interface, a register interface, a processing node interface, and logic. The network interface can include lines coupled to the network for communicating data on the network. The register interface can include lines coupled to multiple registers. The processing node interface can include at least one line coupled to the processing node for communicating data with a local processor local to the processing node wherein the local processor can read data to and write data from the registers. The logic can receive packets including a header and a payload from the network and can insert the packets into the registers as indicated by the header.