IBM System z10 I/O subsystem

• Published in: IBM journal of research and development Vol. 53; no. 1; pp. 1 - 6:13
• Main Authors: Chencinski, E W, Check, M A, DeCusatis, C, Deng, H, Grassi, M, Gregg, T A, Helms, M M, Koenig, A D, Mohr, L, Pandey, K, Schlipf, T, Schober, T, Ulrich, H, Walters, C R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Armonk International Business Machines Corporation 01.01.2009
• Subjects: Computer architecture; Design; Input output; Mainframes; Microprocessors
• ISSN: 0018-8646; 0018-8646; 2151-8556
• DOI: 10.1147/jrd.2009.5388573

The performance, reliability, and functionality of a large server are greatly influenced by the design characteristics of its I/O subsystem. The critical components of the IBM System z10(TM) I/O subsystem have, therefore, been significantly improved in terms of performance, capability, and cost. The first-order network has been redesigned from the long-evolved enhanced self-timed interface (eSTI) links to utilize InfiniBand(TM) links. A redesign of the host logic of I/O chips and the fiberoptic interfaces within the links made it possible to introduce InfiniBand-based IBM Parallel Sysplex® links. A broad range of legacy I/O channels have been carried forward to connect through InfiniBand, and a foundation has been laid for new channel types of improved functionality and performance. The first such hardware channel to be introduced is the next generation of Ethernet-virtualization data routers. A new and methodical recovery structure has been designed to ensure consistent, extensive support of reliability, availability, and serviceability. A building-block-oriented design process has been developed to enable the innovations that made these advances possible. Finally, a new performance verification methodology has been introduced to ensure that the system and subsystem designs are balanced to make effective use of the increased capacity. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]