PCIe Switched Fabric Packet Routing via Unique Destination Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCI Express (PCIe) technologies do not allow for the sharing of PCI-compliant I/O adapters among multiple host computer systems, leading to increased costs and space constraints in blade systems due to dedicated adapters.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a unique identifier within the standard packet destination address to route packets between host computer systems and adapters through a PCIe switched-fabric environment, enabling the sharing of I/O adapters by assigning a unique integrated destination identifier (DID) to each host system and using it to route packets efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated PCI-compliant I/O adapters are integrated into each blade for every host computer system, then each system has reliable and dedicated I/O access, but the cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single PCI-compliant I/O adapter is designed to serve multiple host computer systems simultaneously through virtualization. The adapter presents multiple virtual adapter instances to different hosts, allowing one physical adapter to perform the function of multiple dedicated adapters. This multi-functional design reduces the total quantity of adapters needed while maintaining reliable I/O access for each host.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of adapter functionality through virtual adapter instances. Each host receives a virtual adapter instance that appears as a dedicated adapter but is actually a software-based representation managed by the system. These virtual copies allow multiple hosts to access the same physical adapter resources without requiring physical duplication of the adapter hardware for each host.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple host computer systems share a common I/O fabric, then cost and space are reduced, but routing packets to the correct host becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a message router as an intermediary component that manages packet routing in the shared I/O fabric. The router intercepts packets destined for specific hosts and directs them to the appropriate virtual adapter instance or host. This intermediary layer simplifies the routing complexity by providing a centralized management point rather than requiring complex distributed routing logic across all adapters and hosts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the I/O address space and routing logic into distinct components. Virtual adapter instances are assigned specific address ranges and routing rules, allowing the system to divide the complex routing problem into manageable segments. Each virtual adapter handles packets for its assigned host or function, breaking down the overall routing complexity into smaller, independent routing decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed in a data processing environment that includes host computer systems that are coupled to adapters utilizing a switched fabric for routing packets between the host computer systems and the adapters. A unique destination identifier is assigned to one of the host computer systems. A portion of a standard format packet destination address is selected. Within a particular packet, the portion is set equal to the unique identifier that is assigned to the host computer system. The particular packet is then routed through the fabric to the host computer system using the unique destination identifier.