VIA Full Form is a Virtual Interface Architecture. It is a groundbreaking concept that has transformed the world of high-performance networking. Developed collaboratively by Microsoft, Intel, and Compaq, VIA introduced a user-level zero-copy network model, paving the way for innovations like InfiniBand, iWARP, and RoCE. In this blog on VIA Full Form, we’ll delve into the core principles and advantages of VIA.
The Legacy Networking Challenge
Traditional network APIs, like the Berkeley socket API, relied heavily on the kernel for every network communication, leading to significant performance bottlenecks, especially in scenarios where low latency was crucial.
Inspired by Virtual Memory
Much like virtual memory revolutionized computing by providing each process with the illusion of private memory, VIA introduced the concept of a virtual network interface (VI) that could be accessed at the user level. This allowed users to manage their own communication schedules and buffers while the provider ensured protection.
Private Networks for Processes
VIA enables Network Interface Cards (NICs) to offer a “private network” for each process, allowing multiple such networks per process. The VI serves as the destination for communication requests, creating an isolated and efficient communication channel.
Kernel-Bypass Communication
In VIA, the user takes charge of managing its own buffers, reducing the involvement of the kernel. This “kernel-bypass” communication empowers users to optimize performance according to their specific requirements
Eliminating Costly Data Copying
Traditional networks often involve copying data from a pre-allocated buffer to the user-specified destination, a time-consuming process. VIA leverages the concept of Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA), where data is transmitted across the network without intermediary copying. DMA ensures data is placed directly into the user-specified buffer on the receiving end, all without burdening the CPUs.
Pinning Down Buffers
To enable DMA access, VIA requires users to “pin down” their buffers in memory, preventing the OS from swapping them to disk. This minimal kernel involvement guarantees efficient data transfer.
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