The Virtual Interface Architecture
Providing guidance for both developers and users of large clustered systems, this book explains how VI provides a new interface between applications and switched interconnect hardware.
TABLE OF CONTENTS The Virtual Interface Architecture
Chapter 4: The VIA Specification
The VIA Specification provides a thorough description of the Virtual Interface Architecture (VIA). This chapter will first describe the events leading to the completion of the VIA Specification. Then, the contents of the VIA Specification will be summarized. In addition, this chapter will explain the rationale for the example API in Appendix A of the VIA Specification and why Intel created the VI Developer s Guide to formally specify the VIPL API.
The Partners
In 1995, Intel launched the System Area Network project. The SAN project was one of several Intel initiatives that sought to reduce the impact of I/O bottlenecks on system performance. Ultimately, this effort would result in the creation of VIA.
Originally, the goal was to develop a comprehensive implementation specification covering both hardware and software. The underlying network medium was to be ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode), an existing network standard. The project drew on a number of earlier technologies [1]to enable ATM to serve as a low-overhead, high-performance System Area Network.
In late 1995, the Intel team determined that the specification would have greater value if it were an industry standard, rather than a proprietary standard. ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) and OSVs (operating System Vendors) are much more willing to develop software for industry standard products that are available from multiple hardware providers.
The team also decided to make the specification network media independent. This allowed VIA implementers to choose the networking technology that was best suited for their market. Possible media included ATM, Ethernet, and...
Copyright Intel Corporation 2002 under license agreement with Books24x7
