Shared Network Interface Controller for Micro-Server Clusters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication methods in micro-server environments face challenges such as high latency and increased power consumption due to the need for numerous external connections and dedicated protocols, particularly in high-density server/cluster environments, where existing solutions like Ethernet switching and distributed switching either increase latency or require significant resources.

Innovation Solution

A shared Ethernet NIC scheme using independent PCIe uplinks and Virtual Ethernet Bridging (VEB) switches allows multiple micro-servers to share access to networking facilities, reducing latency and power consumption by enabling efficient switching and resource sharing within a multi-layer architecture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If each micro-server has its own dedicated NIC and external Ethernet connection, then network connectivity is ensured, but device complexity and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidnumber of external connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple micro-servers share a single NIC and Ethernet connection through the backplane interconnect. The NIC is configured to support multiple virtual interfaces that can be assigned to different micro-servers, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate physical connections into a single shared resource.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The NIC is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple micro-servers simultaneously. It includes virtual Ethernet bridging capabilities and virtual interface support, allowing one physical NIC to perform the network functions that would traditionally require multiple dedicated NICs across different servers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If each micro-server has its own dedicated NIC, then network performance is optimized, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork communication speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple micro-servers share a single NIC and Ethernet connection through the backplane interconnect. The NIC is configured to support multiple virtual interfaces that can be assigned to different micro-servers, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate physical connections into a single shared resource.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If external Ethernet switching is used for micro-server communication, then network connectivity is established, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidcommunication latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The backplane interconnect serves as an intermediary high-speed communication path between micro-servers and the shared NIC. This internal backplane communication eliminates the need for external Ethernet switches for inter-micro-server traffic, providing a faster direct route while the shared NIC handles the external network connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If distributed switching is implemented, then network connectivity is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple micro-servers share a single NIC and Ethernet connection through the backplane interconnect. The NIC is configured to support multiple virtual interfaces that can be assigned to different micro-servers, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate physical connections into a single shared resource.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses standard Ethernet switching functionality within the shared NIC to handle traffic routing between micro-servers. The virtual Ethernet bridging capability automatically manages switch-like operations without requiring separate distributed switching hardware or complex network configurations in each micro-server.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9280504B2Methods and apparatus for sharing a network interface controller
Publication Date: 2016.03.08 INTEL CORP
  • US9280504B2 patent drawing
  • US9280504B2 patent drawing
  • US9280504B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, apparatus, and systems for enhancing communication between compute resources and networks in a micro-server environment. Micro-server modules configured to be installed in a server chassis include a plurality of processor subsystems coupled in communication to a shared Network Interface Controller (NIC) via PCIe links. The shared NIC includes at least one Ethernet port and a PCIe block including a shared PCIe interface having a first number of lanes. The PCIe lines between the processor sub-systems and the shared PCIe interface employ a number of lanes that is less than the first number of lanes, and during operation of the micro-server module, the shared NIC is configured to enable each processor sub-system to access the at least one Ethernet port using the PCIe link between that processor sub-system and the shared PCIe block on the shared NIC.