Action Machine Data Packet Processing with Segmented Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network processors face challenges in efficiently processing data packets due to the need for high computational power, leading to increased hardware costs and power dissipation, especially in handling data-intensive applications like video streaming and Voice-over-IP, where conventional general-purpose processors are too slow and application-specific integrated circuits are inflexible and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An action machine is introduced within a network processor, comprising first and second data storage units and a processing unit, where the first storage unit is externally accessible and the second is privately accessible only by the processing unit, allowing for data manipulation and parsing performance improvement without requiring more powerful hardware, by reducing data sharing with external units and utilizing a larger private storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the clock frequency of the logic storing and/or executing a parsing instruction is increased to improve parsing performance, then parsing speed is improved, but hardware cost and power dissipation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage is segmented into two distinct parts: a first data storage unit accessible by both the processing unit and external units, and a second data storage unit accessible only by the processing unit. This segmentation allows the system to optimize access patterns and reduce the need for high-speed external access, thereby improving parsing performance without proportionally increasing power consumption and hardware cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If general-purpose processors are used to provide high flexibility in network processing, then adaptability is improved, but processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by giving different access permissions to different storage units. The first storage unit allows external access for flexibility, while the second storage unit provides fast private access for speed-critical operations. This localized differentiation of access rights enables the system to achieve both flexibility and high processing speed in different operational contexts.
3Speed
If application-specific integrated circuits are used to achieve fast and efficient data packet processing, then processing speed is improved, but flexibility and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of handling various data packet protocols and processing tasks. By combining a universal processing unit with the dual-storage architecture, the system achieves ASIC-like processing speed while maintaining GPP-like flexibility, as the same processing unit can be configured for different protocols without requiring custom hardware for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an action machine for processing packet data in a network processor. The action machine comprises: first and second data storage units adapted to store data for processing; and a processing unit adapted to process data from the first and second data storage units. The first storage unit is adapted to be accessed by the processing unit and a unit external to the action machine, and the second storage unit is adapted to only be accessed by the processing unit.