Storage-Class Memory Networking to Reduce CPU Load
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional networked computing systems experience increased latency and CPU resource utilization due to multi-step interactions between the processor, working memory, and network interface controller (NIC) for network operations, which can be inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A storage-class memory device that integrates network, memory, and storage functions, allowing the CPU to perform network operations as load-store memory interactions, with the memory device handling network operations independently, reducing latency and offloading CPU tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional multi-step interactions between processor, working memory, and NIC are used for network operations, then network functionality is achieved, but latency increases and CPU resource utilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the network interface controller (NIC) and working memory into a single integrated memory device. This consolidation eliminates the separate components and their multi-step interaction protocol, allowing network operations to be performed as direct memory accesses without involving a separate NIC processor, thereby reducing latency and CPU resource utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated memory device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both working memory for data storage and as the network interface controller for network communications. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle network operations through standard memory instructions, eliminating the need for specialized NIC processing and reducing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If traditional multi-step interactions between processor, working memory, and NIC are used for network operations, then network functionality is achieved, but CPU resource utilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the NIC and working memory into one device, the patent eliminates the need for CPU involvement in network operation coordination. The integrated device handles network tasks independently using its own processing resources, freeing the CPU from network-related tasks and improving overall CPU productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated memory device performs network operations autonomously without requiring CPU intervention. It manages its own packet processing, data transmission, and reception functions, effectively serving itself and eliminating the need for continuous CPU resource allocation to network tasks
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for storage-class memory device including a network interface are described herein. A write for a network communication is received by the host interface of the memory device. Here, the network communication includes a header. The header is written to a non-volatile storage array managed by a memory controller. A network command is detected by the memory device. Here, the network command includes a pointer to the header in the non-volatile storage array. The header is retrieved from the non-volatile storage array and a packet based on the header is transmitted via a network interface of the memory controller.