Virtual NIC Synchronization via Management Control Processor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network interface controllers (NICs) face challenges in efficiently managing diverse network traffic types, leading to server I/O bottlenecks and increased operational costs due to the need for multiple specialized networking technologies, which can disrupt existing infrastructure and hinder migration to newer server topologies.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for configuring multiple network interfaces to share a physical interface (PHY), utilizing a management control processor (MCP) to synchronize virtual NICs and manage parameters such as port speed, wake on LAN patterns, and appointing a port master driver to optimize resource utilization and traffic management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized networking technologies are used to manage diverse network traffic types, then traffic management capability is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic management capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal network interface controller that can handle multiple types of network traffic (storage, clustering, client/server) through a single device. The CNIC provides multi-functionality by integrating capabilities previously requiring separate specialized NICs, allowing one device to perform diverse network interface functions through virtualization and driver management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple specialized networking functions into a single physical network interface controller. By merging storage traffic, clustering traffic, and client/server traffic handling capabilities into one CNIC device, the system reduces the number of separate networking components while maintaining all necessary traffic management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized networking technologies are deployed, then traffic management capability is improved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic management capabilityVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The universal CNIC design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized networking devices, reducing operational costs by consolidating hardware resources. The multi-functional capability enables one device to handle various traffic types that previously required separate specialized NICs, thereby reducing energy consumption and operational expenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If specialized networking technologies are used for different traffic types, then traffic optimization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to infrastructure disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic optimizationVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary management control processor (MCP) that mediates between the physical network interface and multiple virtual network interfaces. The MCP handles traffic optimization for different traffic types while providing a unified interface for operation, eliminating the need for direct interaction with multiple specialized technologies and simplifying system operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If conventional NICs are used without sharing, then interface reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to I/O bottlenecks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork I/O processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network interface functionality by creating multiple virtual network interfaces (vNICs) from a single physical network interface controller. Each vNIC can be independently configured and managed for specific traffic types, maintaining interface reliability through virtualization while improving productivity by enabling parallel processing and eliminating I/O bottlenecks through resource sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8725893B2Method and system for configuring a plurality of network interfaces that share a physical interface

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

Certain aspects of a method and system for configuring a plurality of network interfaces that share a physical interface (PHY) may include a system comprising one or more physical network interface controllers (NICs) and two or more virtual NICs. One or more drivers associated with each of the virtual NICs that share one or more Ethernet ports associated with the physical NICs may be synchronized based on controlling one or more parameters associated with one or more Ethernet ports. One or more wake on LAN (WoL) patterns associated with each of the drivers may be detected at one or more Ethernet ports. A wake up signal may be communicated to one or more drivers associated with the detected WoL patterns. One of the drivers may be appointed to be a port master driver. If a failure of the appointed port master driver is detected, another driver may be appointed to be the port master driver.