PCIe Ethernet Hybrid Network Controller for Broadcast Storm Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCIe networks are limited to intra-rack packet transmission and do not support inter-rack communication, and they do not facilitate Ethernet broadcast behavior, which restricts the bandwidth utilization and communication capabilities across different racks.
Innovation Solution
A network communication method and system that combines PCIe and Ethernet hybrid networks, utilizing an Ethernet over PCIe (EoP) port for intra-rack transmission and Ethernet ports for inter-rack transmission, with a controller managing packet transmissions and rule tables to prevent broadcast storms, allowing for efficient data exchange across multiple racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PCIe network is used for intra-rack transmission, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but inter-rack communication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface card is designed to support multiple transmission modes (PCIe EoP mode for intra-rack and Ethernet mode for inter-rack) within a single device, enabling it to adapt to different communication scenarios and maintain both high bandwidth utilization and inter-rack communication capability
2Speed
If PCIe switch replaces TOR Ethernet switch, then transmission speed is improved, but broadcast behavior support is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between PCIe switches and Ethernet networks, receiving broadcast packets from PCIe networks, converting them to Ethernet format, and forwarding them to appropriate destinations, thereby enabling broadcast behavior support while maintaining PCIe transmission speed advantages
3Productivity
If EoP port is used for all transmissions, then intra-rack transmission efficiency is improved, but broadcast storm control capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects transmission ports based on packet type and destination: using EoP ports for unicast intra-rack transmissions to maintain high efficiency, while routing broadcast packets through Ethernet ports to the controller for proper management and storm prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback information about packet types and transmission status, using this information to make intelligent routing decisions and manage broadcast packets appropriately, preventing broadcast storms while maintaining EoP efficiency for regular transmissions
Data Source
AI summary
A network communication method, a system and a controller of PCIe and Ethernet hybrid networks are provided. In one example of the network communication method, a packet is transmitted or received via a network interface (NIC). The packet is transmitted via an Ethernet over PCIe (EoP) port by adopting a PCIe based EoP architecture based on a PCIe bus for an intra-rack transmission, and the packet is transmitted via an Ethernet port for an inter-rack transmission. If the transmitted packet belongs to a broadcast packet, the network interface receiving the packet discards the packet or transmits the packet to the controller without re-broadcasting the packet again.