Network Switch Fabric RDMA Data Transfer Overhead Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interconnect technologies in distributed multi-processor computer systems require additional hardware and add processing layers, leading to overhead in data transactions due to the need for converting between processor and network interconnect architectures, which impacts performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network switch fabric with extensions that identify and utilize alternate paths and remote direct memory access (RDMA) methods to enhance data transfer efficiency, allowing nodes to communicate through a consistent bus architecture with reduced overhead by using existing hardware and software with minimal modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If interconnect technologies are used to connect processors and network switch fabric, then data transfer capability is improved, but additional hardware and processing layers are required which increase overhead and reduce performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the network switch fabric with the processor interconnect architecture, allowing the same hardware infrastructure to serve both networking and inter-processor communication functions. This eliminates the need for separate host channel adapters and reduces the number of processing layers by unifying the interconnect paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch fabric is designed to handle multiple protocols and communication types simultaneously, including InfiniBand, Ethernet, and proprietary interconnect protocols. This multi-functionality allows a single hardware platform to replace multiple specialized interconnect devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high data transfer capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conversion between processor interconnect architecture and network interconnect architecture is implemented, then compatibility is improved, but additional intervening hardware and overhead are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol translation layer within the network switch fabric that acts as an intermediary between different interconnect architectures. This mediator converts processor-specific protocols (such as PCI-X or PCI Express) into network switch fabric protocols (such as InfiniBand or Ethernet) without requiring external host channel adapters, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining architecture compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If processing layers are added to the communication protocol stack, then protocol functionality is improved, but data transaction overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch fabric performs protocol translation, packet routing, and data formatting operations in advance, before data reaches the application layer. By preprocessing data packets and establishing translation rules beforehand, the system reduces the number of processing steps required during actual data transactions, thereby reducing overhead while maintaining full protocol functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for remote direct memory access over a network switch fabric. Some illustrative embodiments may include a system comprising a first system node, a direct memory access (DMA) controller, a second system node, and a network switch fabric coupling together the first and second system nodes (the network switch fabric comprises a rooted hierarchical bus). The DMA controller is configured to perform a DMA transfer of data between the first and second system nodes across the network switch fabric. The data is formatted as one or more remote DMA (RDMA) protocol messages that are routed across the network switch fabric based on a bus end-device identifier corresponding to the second system node.