Protocol Management for Multi-Protocol Network Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer network architectures face inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for protocol translation and multiple separate networks when dealing with multiple devices and protocols, leading to latency and performance reduction.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that allows multiple protocols to be transmitted over a single medium without translation, using software-defined protocol selection and reconfiguration to determine the optimal protocol for each connection, enabling efficient data transport across networked environments such as data centers and cloud services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If protocol translation is used to enable communication between devices using different protocols, then compatibility between devices is improved, but system performance and speed deteriorate due to latency and overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments protocol handling by creating separate virtual network interfaces for different protocols (PCIe, Ethernet, Fibre Channel, SAS) while sharing a common physical medium. Each protocol is processed independently through protocol-specific virtual functions, avoiding the need for translation while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A protocol management device acts as an intermediary between the host bus interface and various protocol devices. This mediator receives data from the host, determines the target protocol, and routes it through appropriate virtual network interfaces without requiring active translation, thus maintaining speed while ensuring compatibility.
2Speed
If multiple separate networks are created for different protocols, then protocol performance is optimized, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple protocol networks into a single physical network infrastructure. Different protocols (PCIe, Ethernet, Fibre Channel, SAS) share the same physical medium through a protocol management device, eliminating the need for separate physical networks while maintaining protocol-specific performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol management device provides universal functionality by handling multiple protocols through a single interface. It can translate between different protocols and route data appropriately, making the network infrastructure multi-functional and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol translation devices (NICs) are inserted between devices, then protocol compatibility is achieved, but cost and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the protocol translation function from separate physical devices (NICs) and integrates it into a virtualized protocol management layer. This eliminates the need for multiple expensive physical translation devices while maintaining protocol compatibility through software-defined networking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of network interfaces for different protocols without requiring physical hardware copies. Virtual network interfaces replicate the functionality of physical NICs at software level, reducing hardware costs while maintaining protocol-specific performance and compatibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If tunneling is used to embed one protocol inside another, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but performance degrades to the lowest common denominator
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate protocol for each data transmission based on the target device and application requirements. Instead of forcing all traffic through a single protocol tunnel, the protocol management device adapts the protocol dynamically, maintaining optimal performance for each specific communication path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes protocol parameters dynamically based on the communication requirements. The protocol management device can switch between different protocols (PCIe, Ethernet, Fibre Channel, SAS) depending on the target device capabilities and performance requirements, avoiding the performance degradation associated with fixed protocol tunneling.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are disclosed for management and transportation of data in a networked environment or solution. In various embodiment, these technologies are used to transport data across individual wires or connections using uniform connection technology but different protocols. Software-based control is also described, which provides additional flexibility in the selection and configuration of protocol usage.