Virtual-Connect Manager for Adjustable Server Transmission Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-server enclosures constrain transmission rates of server modules due to common backplane connections, limiting flexibility and usability by forcing all NICs to operate at a fixed maximum rate, which can overwhelm external systems and is difficult to configure for lower rates.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual-connect manager within the multi-server enclosure to provide an administrative interface for configuring maximum transmission rates and applying flow control through pause messages to ensure NICs do not exceed configured rates, allowing for adjustable transmission rates and preventing data transmission overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all server modules are connected through a common backplane to facilitate interoperability and easy replacement, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but transmission rate flexibility deteriorates as all NICs are constrained to a fixed maximum rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual connect manager as an intermediary component between the backplane and server NICs. This mediator monitors transmission rates and sends pause messages to individual NICs that exceed their configured maximum rates, thereby enabling rate control without requiring changes to the common backplane infrastructure. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by maintaining the fixed backplane architecture while adding flexible rate control through software-based flow management.
2Productivity
If NICs are allowed to transmit at high rates to maximize data throughput, then productivity is improved, but harmful effects increase as external systems may be overwhelmed by excessive data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the virtual connect manager continuously monitors the transmission rate of each NIC and compares it against the configured maximum rate. When a NIC exceeds its allocated rate, the system sends pause messages back to that NIC to reduce its transmission rate. This closed-loop feedback control enables the system to maintain high overall throughput while preventing any single NIC from overwhelming external systems with excessive data.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing configurable transmission rates for devices within a multi-device enclosure, despite common communication media within the multi-device enclosure that would otherwise constrain or fix the transmission rates of the devices. In one embodiment of the present invention, implemented within a virtual-connect manager or other module or device contained in, or associated with, a multi-server enclosure, the virtual-connect manager provides an administrative or management interface through which each server can be assigned a maximum transmission rate. The virtual-connect manager then continuously monitors the transmission rates of servers and/or ports within servers in order to apply back pressure, or flow control, so that the servers and/or ports within servers do not exceed the configured maximum transmission rates.