Broad-Scale Single Computer

ExpEther can build a new type of computing environment without any localized physical constraints. There is no limitation of distance between a host and I/O devices though it depends on allowable latency of applications. In an actual deployed system at Osaka University, the longest network path between the host and I/O devices was more than two kilo meters.

Full Compatibility with PCI Express Specification

The ExpEther Engine is designed to be seen as a PCI Express Switch from the CPU. The CPU is unaware of the Ethernet Fabric in between. The ExpEther Engine is fully compatible with PCI Express Specifications and has passed the PCI-SIG PCI Express 2.0 Switch's compliant test. It currently appears on the PCI Express 2.0 Integrators List.

System Configuration in Multiple Servers Environment

Each ExpEther Engine has a "Group ID" to connect a Host and I/O devices logically. This Group ID is assigned through a hardware rotary switch or by using Management software (ExpEther Manager). The ID range is from 1 to 4,000 and is used as a VLAN tag to isolate each PCI Express path.

If the ID of an ExpEther Engine is changed, the I/O devices under the ExpEther Engine are logically removed from the host by following the PCI Express Hot-Plug scheme.

ExpEther Manager (EEM) Library and SDK

Users can customize and develop software to manage an ExpEther environment. Linux and Windows are both supported. Three kinds of APIs are supported.