Pseudo Network Interface for Computational Storage Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computational storage devices face challenges in efficient data processing and communication due to the need for data transfer between the host computer and the storage device, which is energy-intensive and time-consuming, especially when performing operations like searches and analytics within the storage device.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pseudo network interface within the computational storage device allows for encapsulating messages and transmitting them through the local connection between the storage device and the host computer, enabling communication with the embedded computer inside the storage device using existing network protocols, thus shifting processing closer to the data storage and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data is transferred between host computer and storage device for processing operations, then communication functionality is achieved, but energy consumption increases and processing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pseudo network interface as an intermediary layer between the host computer and the computational storage device. This interface enables direct communication with the embedded computer inside the storage device, allowing data processing operations to be performed locally without requiring continuous data transfer to the host. The pseudo network interface acts as a mediator that routes communication appropriately, enabling energy-efficient local processing while maintaining the ability to transfer data when necessary.
2Ease of operation
If data is transferred between host computer and storage device for processing operations, then communication functionality is achieved, but processing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The pseudo network interface serves as an intermediary that enables direct communication paths to the embedded computer within the storage device. This allows processing operations to be executed locally at the storage device without requiring data to be transferred to the host computer, significantly reducing processing time for operations like searches and analytics while maintaining full communication functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing network protocols are used for communication with embedded computer, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but additional communication interface is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pseudo network interface is designed to be universal and multi-functional, supporting existing network protocols while operating within the storage device context. It can handle multiple communication tasks including direct communication with the embedded computer, interaction with the host computer, and support for various network protocols, thereby maintaining protocol compatibility without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for different functions.
4Use of energy by moving object
If processing is shifted closer to data storage, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pseudo network interface acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of shifted processing. It provides a standardized communication mechanism between the host computer and the embedded computer, handling protocol translation and data routing. This intermediary approach allows processing to be performed locally at the storage device (reducing energy consumption) while the interface manages the system complexity, preventing it from becoming unmanageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of facilitating communication to an embedded computer in a computational storage device via a host includes receiving a message for transmission to an embedded process running at the embedded computer, determining that a destination address of the message corresponds to the embedded computer within the computational storage device, in response to the determination, forwarding the message to a host relay process associated with the embedded computer, and encapsulating the message to generate a proprietary command for transmission to the computational storage device.