PCIe Network Switch Non-Transparent Bridge Memory Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network switches incur latency and storage requirements due to data transmission between servers, especially when multiple transactions occur simultaneously across different switches, leading to congestion and bandwidth limitations.
Innovation Solution
A network switch utilizing PCI Express protocol with non-transparent bridges that allows direct access to physical memory of connected servers, enabling data transfer between any two servers without storing data in the switch's local memory, using DMA engines and address translation to facilitate efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is transmitted between servers through traditional network switches, then data exchange is enabled, but latency increases and storage requirements are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data storage function from the network switch by implementing peer-to-peer direct memory access between servers. Data is no longer stored in the switch's local memory but transferred directly between server memory spaces, eliminating the need for switch-based data storage and reducing transmission latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer that mediates between physical network infrastructure and data transmission. This virtualization enables direct server-to-server memory access while maintaining network switching functionality, allowing data to bypass traditional switch storage and reduce latency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transactions occur simultaneously across different switches, then communication coverage is expanded, but congestion and bandwidth limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switch functions into a unified virtualized network fabric that enables direct peer-to-peer communication between servers. By combining switching, routing, and memory access functions into a single virtualized layer, the system handles multiple simultaneous transactions without congestion, maintaining high throughput while expanding communication coverage.
3Ease of operation
If data is stored in the switch's local memory, then data transmission is enabled, but storage requirements and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the data storage requirement from the network switch by implementing direct memory access between servers. Data remains stored only in server memory, and the switch merely facilitates direct transmission without buffering or storing data, thereby eliminating storage requirements while maintaining transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Servers perform their own data storage and retrieval operations independently without relying on switch-based storage. The virtualized network fabric enables servers to directly access each other's memory spaces, allowing each server to manage its own data storage needs while maintaining ease of data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A network switch, based on the PCI Express protocol, is disclosed. The switch is in communication with a processor, local memory and includes a plurality of non-transparent bridges and, optionally transparent bridges, leading to PCI Express endpoints. By configuring the non-transparent bridges appropriately, the network switch can facilitate simultaneous communication between any two sets of servers without needing to store any data in the local memory or FIFO resources of the switch. For example, the network switch may configure the non-transparent bridges so as to have access to the physical memory of every server attached to it. It can then move data from the memory of any server to the memory of any other server.