Optimal multi-core network architecture

Abstract

A multicore processor system and a method of operating the system defines a processor partition (which may include one or more processor cores) as a network offload engine for a network connected to the processor system. Network operations requests from other cores or partitions of the processor system are forwarded to the network offload engine by a cross-platform inter-partition communications component including a relay task in the network offload engine for receiving network operations requests from network proxies in the other partitions. The network offload engine then controls access to network resources by the other cores or partitions and applications running thereon. A second or additional core or partition of the processor system may be similarly defined as a network offload engine for a second or additional network, receiving network operations requests from the other partitions through a similar system of relay task and network proxies.