Multi-Host RDMA Card CPU Coupling via Midplane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional approaches to communication between storage processors, such as using PCIe non-transparent bridges, lack compliance across CPU vendors and generations, fail to support virtualized systems, and require high software overhead to achieve reliable messaging, while also necessitating physical cable connections and blocking IO slots.
Innovation Solution
A multi-host RDMA card is coupled to a pair of CPUs, providing Ethernet over PCIe connectivity and mirroring data between them, eliminating the need for physical cables and supporting virtualized systems without software stacks, and allowing high-speed communication across storage processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PCIe non-transparent bridge is used for communication between storage processors, then physical connection is established, but compatibility across different CPU vendors and generations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a midplane as an intermediary component between CPUs and IO cards. The midplane provides a standardized interface that mediates communication between different CPU vendors and generations, eliminating direct CPU-to-CPU dependencies and enabling universal compatibility while maintaining reliable physical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The midplane is designed with universal connectivity capabilities that support multiple CPU vendors and generations through standardized interfaces. This multi-functional design allows the same midplane structure to accommodate different CPU types without requiring vendor-specific or generation-specific modifications.
2Reliability
If conventional IO card approach with external cables is used, then dedicated communication path is provided, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication functionality into the midplane structure itself, eliminating the need for separate external cables and multiple IO cards. The midplane integrates both the connection infrastructure and communication pathways, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dedicated communication paths between storage processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the communication pathway from external physical cables and integrates it directly into the midplane structure. This extraction eliminates the need for external cable management and reduces the number of physical components required while maintaining reliable dedicated communication paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional approaches are used for virtualized systems, then support for virtual machines is required, but software overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The midplane provides self-service capabilities by implementing built-in support for virtualized systems and virtual machines. Rather than requiring external software stacks to enable virtualization support, the midplane inherently provides the necessary functionality, eliminating software overhead while maintaining adaptability to virtualized environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product, and computing system for coupling a multi-host remote direct memory access (RDMA) card to at least a pair of central processing units (CPUs). One or more signals may be routed, via the multi-host RDMA card, between the at least a pair of CPUs.