Network Overlay System and Method Using Offload Processors

Abstract

A memory bus connected module for providing network overlay services is disclosed. The module comprising can include a memory bus connection, multiple offload processors coupled to the memory bus connection, each offload processor configured to convert incoming packets having a first network protocol to outgoing packets having a second network protocol, and control logic connected to the multiple offload processors for determining order of packet conversion by respective task execution of the multiple offload processors.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A memory bus connected module for providing network overlay services, the module comprising:
 a memory bus connection,   multiple offload processors coupled to the memory bus connection, each offload processor configured to convert incoming packets having a first network protocol to outgoing packets having a second network protocol, and   control logic connected to the multiple offload processors for determining order of packet conversion by respective task execution of the multiple offload processors.   
     
     
         2 . The module of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 local memory connected to a memory controller and accessible by the multiple offload processors, and   an arbiter for preventing local memory access conflicts.   
     
     
         3 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the control logic includes a scheduler that is updated as packets having the first network protocol are received. 
     
     
         4 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the module further comprises a switch controller for determining context switching of the multiple general purpose offload processors. 
     
     
         5 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the memory bus connection is compatible with a memory bus socket. 
     
     
         6 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the memory bus connection is compatible with a dual in line memory module (DIMM) socket. 
     
     
         7 . A method for providing network overlay services using a memory bus connected module, comprising the steps of:
 providing a data path for network data to the module through a memory bus connection,   converting incoming packets from the network connection having a first network protocol to outgoing packets having a second network protocol using multiple offload processors connected to the memory bus connection, and   determining an order of network packet conversion by respective task execution of the multiple offload processors using control logic connected to the multiple offload processors.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 connecting local memory to a memory controller, with the local memory being accessible by the multiple offload processors, and   using an arbiter to prevent local memory access conflicts.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising the step of updating a process execution schedule of the multiple offload processors as the packets having the first network protocol are received. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising the step of determining context switch events for the multiple general purpose offload processors. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the data path includes a memory bus socket. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the data path includes a dual in line memory module (DIMM) compatible socket.