Programmable Network Switch In-Line Data Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data storage systems, high-performance networking can lead to bottlenecks in data requests due to in-line operations performed by storage controllers or servers, especially with the emergence of high-speed networking technologies like Software Defined Networking (SDN).
Innovation Solution
Implementing a programmable network switch that performs in-line operations such as load-balancing, Quality of Service (QoS), and failure handling while data is in transit, reducing the need for additional storage controllers and minimizing network traffic by routing commands directly between clients and Data Storage Devices (DSDs) without intermediate storage controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If in-line operations are performed by storage controllers or servers, then data storage operations can be executed, but network bandwidth is consumed and performance bottlenecks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts in-line operations from storage controllers and servers and relocates them to network switches. This moves the processing function from the storage path to the network path, allowing operations like load balancing, QoS, and failure handling to be performed without consuming storage network bandwidth, thereby resolving the bottleneck issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch acts as an intermediary device between clients and storage devices. It performs in-line operations on data packets while they are in transit through the network, without requiring the data to be processed by storage controllers or servers. This mediator approach enables operations to be performed without impacting storage network performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional storage controllers are deployed to handle in-line operations, then operation capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes network switches multi-functional by enabling them to perform in-line operations traditionally handled by storage controllers. The network switch simultaneously performs its standard routing function and additional operations like load balancing, QoS, and failure handling, eliminating the need for separate storage controller infrastructure and reducing system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If data requests are processed through intermediate storage controllers, then data operations can be performed, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate storage controllers from the data request path and relocates processing functions to network switches. This extraction shortens the request path from client to storage device, eliminating the latency introduced by intermediate controllers while maintaining full operational capability through the network switch's in-line processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable network switch includes at least one pipeline including a packet parser configured to parse packets received by the programmable network switch. The programmable network switch further includes a plurality of ports for communication with a plurality of Data Storage Devices (DSDs). Packets comprising commands are received by the programmable network switch to perform at least one of retrieving data from and storing data in the plurality of DSDs. The commands are sent by the programmable network switch to the plurality of DSDs via the plurality of ports, and the use of each port for sending the commands is monitored. According to one aspect, it is determined which port to use to send a command based on the monitored use of at least one port of the plurality of ports.