PCIe Switch Emulating Ethernet for Server Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software for server communication assumes Ethernet-based communication, making it incompatible with PCIe switches, leading to a need for alternative data communication methods between servers without relying on Ethernet network devices.
Innovation Solution
A computer system utilizing PCIe switches with an external and internal port, and NIC logic to recognize and route packets, allowing communication between servers by allocating unique system port addresses and using a conversion table to emulate Ethernet-like behavior, enabling data transmission between servers without conventional Ethernet devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If Ethernet is replaced by PCIe switch for server communication, then communication cost is reduced, but existing communication software becomes incompatible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual Ethernet interface (veth pair) that copies Ethernet communication protocols and data structures into the PCIe-based communication system. This allows existing Ethernet software to operate unchanged over PCIe infrastructure, achieving cost reduction while maintaining software compatibility through protocol emulation rather than direct hardware replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual network device and driver as an intermediary layer between existing Ethernet software and the PCIe switch hardware. This mediator translates Ethernet frames into PCIe transactions, enabling software to communicate with PCIe switches without modification while the underlying hardware operates at PCIe speeds, thus resolving the compatibility issue
2Speed
If PCIe switch is used for server communication, then communication speed is improved, but software must be redeveloped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PCIe switch serve multiple functions: it operates as both a high-speed communication switch and an Ethernet protocol emulator. By implementing Ethernet frame handling and PCIe transaction translation within the same system, the infrastructure becomes universally compatible with existing software while maintaining high-speed PCIe communication capabilities, eliminating the need for software redevelopment
3Device complexity
If Ethernet network devices are eliminated, then system complexity is reduced, but communication protocol compatibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of separate Ethernet network devices with the PCIe switch into a single integrated system. The PCIe switch simultaneously handles PCIe transactions and emulates Ethernet switching functionality, eliminating the need for separate Ethernet hardware while maintaining protocol compatibility through software-based Ethernet stack implementation within the unified device
Data Source
AI summary
In a computer on the transmission side, an NW driver, which is recognized, by the OS, as an NIC driver, stores data to be transmitted and a destination SPA into a memory, and outputs a transaction layer packet (TLP), which has been generated by a first computer, to a PCIe switch. A first NIC logic of the PCIe switch of the PCIe switch corresponding to the first computer on the transmission side adds a system port address (SPA) to the TLP transferred from the first computer, and transfers the data of the TLP to a port associated with a second NIC logic and having an address indicated by the SPA (destination SPA). The second NIC logic having received the data writes the receive data into a memory of a second computer, on the reception side, which is connected to another PCIe switch where the second NIC logic exists.