PCIe Configuration Access via Dispatcher for Remote Function Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in enabling efficient access to PCIe configuration spaces by remote computers without requiring changes to the PCIe software stack of the lendee system.
Innovation Solution
A dispatcher subsystem within the lender computer manages PCIe configuration requests, allowing remote computers to access PCIe functions by communicating directly with relevant subsystems based on preconfigured index tables, thereby executing or redirecting requests without altering the lendee's software stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a remote computer directly accesses PCIe configuration space of a lender computer, then access efficiency is improved, but system complexity and compatibility issues arise without proper dispatching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dispatching mechanism as an intermediary layer between the remote computer (lendee) and the PCIe configuration space of the lender computer. This dispatcher receives configuration requests from the remote computer, determines the appropriate target subsystem, and routes the requests accordingly. This mediator approach enables efficient remote access while managing system complexity by centralizing the routing logic rather than requiring direct complex interactions between all components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lendee system modifies its software stack to access PCIe functions, then access capability is improved, but system compatibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dispatching mechanism serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of PCIe configuration space access on the lender side, allowing the lendee to access PCIe functions through standard interfaces without modifying its software stack. The dispatcher translates and routes requests appropriately, maintaining compatibility while enabling enhanced access capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the lendee to adapt its software stack to access PCIe functions, the patent inverts the approach by having the lender's dispatcher adapt to handle various request types and route them appropriately. The burden of adaptation is shifted from the remote system to the local dispatcher, preserving lendee compatibility while achieving the desired access capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Facilitating access to a PCIe configuration space of a PCIe function associated with a computer comprises receiving by a PCIe controller EP in the computer over a PCIe link a configuration request from a remote computer to access a PCIe configuration space. The PCIe controller then communicates over a communication fabric the configuration request to a dispatcher of the computer. The dispatcher determines from the configuration request, a PCIe function and operation indicated in the configuration request which is used to identify a respective subsystem to execute the configuration request and the configuration request is communicated to the respective subsystem based on the identification. The subsystem then executes the configuration request to facilitate access to the PCIe configuration space of the PCIe function by the remote computer and sharing of the PCIe function with the remote computer.