Shared Virtual Network Interface Bandwidth Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large networked systems, such as server systems with multiple blade processing units, the high component count and cost of networking resources, especially for newer standards like 10 Gigabit Ethernet, along with mechanical issues and high maintenance requirements, necessitate a more efficient use of network resources.
Innovation Solution
A shared virtual network interface system that distributes available communication bandwidth among processing units using a shared media access control unit, independent programmable virtual MAC units, and I/O interfaces, eliminating the need for separate network interface cards and reducing mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each processing unit has its own NIC and network port, then each processing unit has independent network connectivity, but the component count and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network interface functionality into two parts: a shared physical NIC that handles common network operations, and virtual network interfaces (vNICs) that provide independent connectivity to each processing unit. This segmentation allows multiple processing units to share a single physical NIC while maintaining individual network identities through virtualization, thereby reducing component count while preserving independent connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared physical NIC is designed to perform multiple functions by serving multiple processing units simultaneously through bandwidth sharing and virtual interface support. The NIC can dynamically allocate bandwidth and manage multiple virtual interfaces, making a single device universal enough to replace multiple dedicated NICs, thus reducing overall system complexity and component count.
2Reliability
If each processing unit has its own NIC, then network connectivity is ensured, but the cost of networking components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple network interface functions into a single shared physical NIC. Instead of requiring separate NICs for each processing unit, the system combines them into one device that uses bandwidth sharing and virtualization to provide network connectivity to multiple processing units, thereby reducing the total number of components and lowering cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of network interface functionality through virtual network interfaces (vNICs). These virtual interfaces are software-based representations that mimic the behavior of physical NICs, allowing processing units to have independent network identities without requiring physical hardware copies, thus reducing cost while maintaining connectivity.
3Speed
If 10 GE network ports are used for each processing unit, then high bandwidth is available, but the cost and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple high-speed network connections into a single shared 10 GE physical NIC. The NIC uses bandwidth sharing mechanisms to allocate high-speed connectivity to multiple processing units dynamically, allowing them to access 10 GE speeds without requiring separate physical ports for each unit, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while preserving bandwidth availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the shared 10 GE NIC can adjust bandwidth distribution in real-time based on the needs of different processing units. This dynamic capability allows the system to provide high-speed access to multiple units through a single port, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver high bandwidth when needed.
4Reliability
If multiple network ports and cabling are used, then each processing unit has dedicated connectivity, but rack space and mechanical issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network connectivity into a shared physical layer and virtual logical layers. By virtualizing network interfaces, the system provides dedicated connectivity to each processing unit through software rather than requiring separate physical ports and cabling, thereby reducing rack space requirements while maintaining the illusion of dedicated connections through virtual interface isolation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes one or more processing units coupled to a network interface unit. The network interface unit may include a network port for connection to a network and a virtual interface that may be configured to distribute an available communication bandwidth of the network port between the one or more processing units. The network port may include a shared media access control (MAC) unit. The virtual interface may include a plurality of processing unit resources each associated with a respective one of the one or more processing units. Each of the processing unit resources may include an I/O interface unit coupled to a respective one of the one or more processing units via an I/O interconnect, and an independent programmable virtual MAC unit that is programmably configured by the respective one of the one or more processing units. The virtual interface may also include a receive datapath and a transmit datapath that are coupled between and shared by the plurality of processing unit resources and the network port.