Transfer Module Protocol Conversion for Server Storage Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems face challenges in achieving high-speed data transfer between server and storage modules due to format differences in commands and data, leading to overhead and limited throughput.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a server module, a storage module, and a transfer module that controls data transfer between them, using DMA transfer and protocol conversion to handle read and write requests without processor intervention, enabling direct memory-to-memory data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If servers and storage apparatus are connected via a backplane within the same chassis, then communication speed is improved, but protocol conversion overhead increases due to format differences in commands and data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer module as an intermediary component that includes a protocol conversion unit. This protocol conversion unit acts as a mediator between the server and storage apparatus, converting commands and data between different formats (e.g., SATA vs. SAS protocols) without requiring processor intervention. The transfer module receives data from the server's memory, performs protocol conversion, and transfers the converted data to the storage apparatus's memory, thereby reducing the overhead on both the server and storage apparatus while maintaining high-speed communication through the backplane connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is performed by processors in servers and storage apparatus, then compatibility is improved, but processing overhead increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol conversion function from the processor and assigns it to a dedicated transfer module. The system is divided into distinct functional components: the server module, the transfer module with protocol conversion unit, and the storage module. This segmentation allows the processor to focus on high-level computing tasks while the transfer module handles protocol conversion and data transfer operations independently, thereby improving both protocol compatibility and data transfer throughput without processor intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer module serves as an intermediary that handles protocol conversion between different storage protocols (e.g., SATA and SAS). The protocol conversion unit within the transfer module converts commands and data formats without requiring the server or storage apparatus processors to be involved in the conversion process. This intermediary approach maintains protocol compatibility while preserving processor performance and maximizing data transfer throughput.
3Speed
If direct memory-to-memory data transfer is implemented, then transfer speed is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional transfer module
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer module is designed as a multi-functional component that combines several functions into a single device: data buffering, protocol conversion, and direct memory-to-memory data transfer. The transfer module includes a buffer memory for temporary data storage, a protocol conversion unit for format translation, and a transfer control unit for managing data flow between the server and storage apparatus. By consolidating these functions into one universal component, the system achieves high-speed direct memory-to-memory transfer without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary computer system includes a server module including a first processor and first memory, a storage module including a second processor, a second memory and a storage device, and a transfer module. The transfer module retrieves a first transfer list including an address of a first storage area, which is set on the first memory for a read command, from the server module. The transfer module retrieves a second transfer list including an address of a second storage area in the second memory, in which data corresponding to the read command read from the storage device is stored temporarily, from the storage module. The transfer module sends the data corresponding to the read command in the second storage area to the first storage area by controlling the data transfer between the second storage area and the first storage area based on the first and second transfer lists.