Intel is developing I/O Acceleration Technology to improve
the way computers handle input and output protocols. The company
claimed its approach could boost network data and server
applications by up to 30%.
Although server CPU performance and network bandwidth has improved
over the years, the primary method for moving data has remained
unchanged.
Pat Gelsinger, Intel senior vice-president for the digital
enterprise group, said, "The benefits to end-users will be better
performance, particularly on applications such as web commerce or
banking. Businesses will benefit from reduced cost of ownership and
improved ability to grow their systems."
In modern computers the processor in a server shoulders the burden
of processing, including constructing and deciphering protocol.
Supporting I/O protocols can be processor-intensive, which means
the processor's operation is diverted and response time,
reliability and the end-users' experience can suffer, Intel
said.
Intel I/O Acceleration Technology aims to distribute the
data-handling function between the processor, the chipset, network
controller and software. This approach reduces the workload on the
processor and accelerates the flow of data. The processor's job is
reduced by giving the chipset and network controller responsibility
for moving data in and out of memory. Intel said it will also
optimise the TCP/IP protocol on Intel-based servers to cut the
processor's workload in half and said its approach will achieve at
least a 30% faster data exchange.
Microsoft said it will provide native support for Intel I/O in
Windows Server releases, which will include technology that
balances network TCP/IP traffic streams across multi-core CPUs.