Redundant I/O Access via Alternate Multiplexer Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current server designs require additional expensive hardware and complex management to provide redundant I/O access for concurrent upgrade, repair, and maintenance in multiple node systems, leading to potential disruptions and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system with primary and alternate multiplexers and interconnects between processor nodes allows for transparent routing of I/O transactions via alternate paths when the primary path is not operational, enabling continued access to I/O resources without additional interconnection networks or switch fabrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single switch fabric is used to allow any node to connect to any I/O resource, then I/O access flexibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of primary and alternate path management into a single integrated system. The alternate multiplexer and link port are merged with the existing primary path infrastructure, allowing both paths to coexist and be managed through unified control logic in the processor node and I/O hub.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between primary and alternate paths based on failure detection. When a failure is detected in the primary path, the system changes the active path parameter to route transactions through the alternate multiplexer and link port, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving access flexibility.
2Reliability
If a second switch fabric is added to provide redundant path, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a complete duplicate switch fabric, the patent implements a simplified copy of the path functionality using an alternate multiplexer and link port. This alternate path copies only the essential routing capability needed for redundancy, eliminating the need for a full second switch fabric while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the critical redundancy function from a full switch fabric implementation. By taking out just the alternate path capability through a dedicated link port and alternate multiplexer, the system achieves reliability without the unnecessary complexity and cost of a complete secondary switch fabric.
3Reliability
If additional switch hardware and firmware are added for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but I/O performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alternate multiplexer and link port are pre-configured and ready for immediate use before any failure occurs. The path selection logic is pre-established in the processor node and I/O hub, allowing instant switching to the alternate path upon failure detection without requiring complex runtime decision-making that would degrade performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternate multiplexer acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the redundancy implementation. It provides a direct routed path that bypasses complex switch fabric logic, thereby maintaining I/O performance while enabling reliability through the available alternate path.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and storage medium for providing redundant I/O access between a plurality of interconnected processor nodes and I/O resources. The method includes determining whether a primary path between the interconnected processor nodes and the I/O resources is operational, where the primary path includes a first processor node and a primary multiplexer. If the primary path is operational, the transactions are routed via the primary path. If the primary path is not operational, the transactions are routed between the interconnected processor nodes and the I/O resources via an alternate path that includes a second processor node and an alternate multiplexer.