PCIe Storage Sharing via Virtual Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV) mechanism in PCIe standards does not allow multiple information handling systems to share data storage resources, limiting the accessibility and utilization of storage resources across different systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a PCIe domain with a separate root complex and host bridge adapters (PHBAs) that enable the creation of virtual functions for storage resources, allowing peer-to-peer operations and mapping of storage extents across multiple servers, thereby facilitating the sharing of storage resources between information handling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SR-IOV mechanism is used to enable virtualization of storage resources, then storage resource accessibility within a single information handling system is improved, but the ability to share storage resources across multiple information handling systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PCIe address space by introducing separate root complexes for each information handling system, with each root complex managing its own PCIe domains. This segmentation allows independent virtual function creation within each system while enabling cross-system storage resource sharing through the unified address space management, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a storage management module as an intermediary component that operates at the root complex level. This module mediates between multiple information handling systems and storage resources, creating virtual functions and mapping storage extents across system boundaries, thereby enabling cross-system sharing without increasing perceived system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional SR-IOV implementation is used, then virtual function creation within a single system is enabled, but storage resource sharing between multiple systems is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PCIe address space universal by designing it to be shared across multiple information handling systems. Each system can create virtual functions and access storage resources through the unified address space, enabling multi-system sharing while maintaining reliable access control through virtual function mapping and storage extent management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the PCIe address space hierarchy by introducing root complexes as separate management layers for each information handling system. This dimensional change allows independent virtual function creation within each system while enabling cross-system visibility and sharing through the unified address space, resolving the contradiction between sharing capability and access control reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A network includes a management module with a first root complex, a first server with a first endpoint coupled to the first root complex, and a second server with a second root complex, a second endpoint coupled to the second root complex, a third endpoint coupled to the first root complex, and a bridge coupled to the second endpoint and to the third endpoint. A method includes discovering a PCIe host bridge adapter (PHBA) and a storage resource coupled to multiple storage extents in a PCIe domain, creating a first virtual function on the storage resource and sending a first identifier for the first virtual function to the PHBA. A network interface device includes a PCIe endpoint that is coupleable to a PCIe root complex, another PCIe endpoint that is coupleable to another PCIe root complex, and a bridge that couples the first PCIe endpoint with the second PCIe endpoint.