Virtual Function Resource Allocation for Disaggregated Server Hardware

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rack-mounted servers face inefficiencies in resource management due to asynchronous life cycles among different types of resources, leading to waste and suboptimal utilization, particularly when CPU performance outpaces storage capabilities, necessitating the decommissioning of entire servers.

Innovation Solution

A device resource management method that separates physical and function configuration resources, allowing for finer granularity allocation and flexible distribution of virtual functions (VFs) to multiple user hosts, enhancing resource utilization and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional rack-mounted servers are used, then resource management is simplified, but resource utilization is low and waste occurs due to asynchronous life cycles of different resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource management complexityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments server resources into two independent categories: physical configuration resources (CPU, memory, storage, I/O) and function configuration resources (virtual functions). This segmentation allows each type of resource to be managed and updated independently, resolving the contradiction by enabling fine-grained resource allocation without increasing overall management complexity. The physical resources remain tied to hardware lifecycle while function resources can be dynamically allocated to multiple users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of resource management by separating function configuration from physical configuration. This creates an additional layer of abstraction where virtual functions can be independently managed and allocated without being constrained by the physical hardware lifecycle. This dimensional separation enables high resource utilization while maintaining manageable complexity through hierarchical control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If resource pooling technology is implemented, then resource allocation flexibility improves, but the challenge of determining resource configuration and management solutions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides resource pooling into two independent pools: physical configuration resource pools and function configuration resource pools. This segmentation simplifies the management complexity by allowing each pool to be managed according to its own characteristics, while still achieving the flexibility benefits of resource pooling. Physical resources are managed based on hardware lifecycle, while function resources are managed based on user需求的.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal resource management framework that handles both physical and function resources through a unified allocation mechanism. The management system can allocate resources from either pool to user hosts based on requirements, providing multi-functionality without increasing complexity. The same management infrastructure serves both physical resource management and function resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If physical configuration resources are allocated to user hosts, then resource allocation is straightforward, but allocation granularity is coarse and resource utilization is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation easeVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the allocation process into two independent steps: first allocating physical configuration resources to user hosts, then separately allocating function configuration resources. This segmentation maintains the simplicity of physical resource allocation while adding fine-grained control through function resource allocation. Users can easily manage function resources without dealing with complex physical resource management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces function configuration resources as an intermediary layer between physical resources and user applications. This intermediary enables fine-grained allocation by allowing multiple virtual functions to be created from a single physical resource, improving utilization while keeping the physical allocation process simple and straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4682720A1Device resource management method, related system, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4682720A1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4682720A1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4682720A1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

This application discloses a device resource management method, a related system, and a storage medium. The system may include at least one user host, at least one resource device, and a management host. Each resource device includes a first entity, at least one second entity, where a total of N second entities are included. The first entity includes a physical configuration resource, and the one or more second entities include a function configuration resource generated after the physical configuration resource is configured. The management host allocates, according to a resource allocation policy, the N second entities to the at least one user host for use, and the target user host obtains L allocated second entities. The target user host registers the L second entities and uses the L second entities. In this application, allocation can be performed for different user hosts based on second entities in the resource device, thereby providing a finer resource allocation granularity, higher resource utilization, and greater flexibility resource allocation.