Server Network Bandwidth via Virtual Patch Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing server configurations, such as server 10B, have limited network bandwidth due to the restricted access of the target function to only one NIC port, leading to inefficient packet processing and reduced available network bandwidth, and dividing target functions to increase bandwidth complicates application processing.
Innovation Solution
A server system that incorporates a smart NIC with an accelerator and a virtual patch panel, allowing packet transfer between the NIC and the smart NIC via software, enabling the use of combined network bandwidth from both NIC ports without limiting application processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a target function is divided and connected to multiple NIC ports to increase network bandwidth, then the available network bandwidth increases, but the application processing becomes complicated and is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual patch panel is introduced as an intermediary component between the NIC and the smart NIC. The virtual patch panel receives packets from the NIC and forwards them to the smart NIC's target function, enabling indirect access to the target function through software-based mediation. This resolves the contradiction by allowing multiple NIC ports to access the single target function without requiring complex application-side routing logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual patch panel serves multiple functions: it acts as a packet forwarder between NIC and smart NIC, provides software-based access control to the target function, and enables multiple NIC ports to share access to a single target function. This multi-functionality allows the system to increase network bandwidth while maintaining simplified application processing through a universal access mechanism.
2Quantity of substance
If packet transfer between NIC and smart NIC is enabled through software, then available network bandwidth increases, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual patch panel acts as a software intermediary that mediates packet transfer between the NIC and smart NIC. By implementing the forwarder function in software rather than hardware, the system gains flexibility in packet routing while accepting some processing overhead. The software-based approach allows for intelligent packet handling and routing decisions that can optimize performance based on specific network conditions.
3Device complexity
If the target function is accessed only by one NIC port, then the system configuration is simple, but the network bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual patch panel provides a universal access point that allows multiple NIC ports to connect to the single target function on the smart NIC. This maintains relative system configuration simplicity while enabling multiple network interfaces to share access to the target function, thereby increasing the total available network bandwidth without requiring multiple target function instances.
Data Source
AI summary
A server includes a normal NIC as an NIC having an expansion function, and a virtual patch panel having a transfer function of transferring packets between the normal NIC and an accelerator utilization type NIC, which is implemented by software. The server is configured such that, when a packet is transferred between the normal NIC and the accelerator utilization type NIC via the virtual patch panel, the target function transfers the packet to and from the APLs.