Adapter Card Interconnects Heterogeneous Switching Network Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network communication systems cannot effectively interconnect line card chassis with different communication standards, leading to interruptions in data switching when they do not comply with the same switching network communication standard.
Innovation Solution
A data communication method and apparatus that utilizes an adapter card to receive information elements from a first switching network board, perform format conversion to match the format identifiable by a second switching network board, and send the converted elements to the second board, enabling communication between switching network boards with different information element formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all line card chassis must comply with the same switching network communication standard, then data switching can be performed reliably, but the system loses adaptability to different communication standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter card as an intermediary device between switching network boards with different communication standards. The adapter card receives information elements from one standard, converts them to another standard, and transmits them to the destination switching network board. This mediator enables reliable data switching between heterogeneous devices without requiring all devices to use the same communication standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter card changes the parameters of information elements (such as format, structure, or encoding) to transform them from one communication standard to another. By modifying these parameters, the adapter card enables compatibility between different switching network boards while maintaining data switching reliability.
2Productivity
If a cluster of switching network boards is used to satisfy increased network traffic capacity, then the network capacity requirement is met, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter card is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple communication standards. Instead of requiring separate dedicated devices for each standard conversion, the adapter card performs multiple functions (receiving, converting, and transmitting information elements) within a single device, thereby managing system complexity while supporting increased network capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A data communication method and a data communication apparatus are provided. The method mainly includes: receiving, by an adapter card, information elements sent by a first switching network board, in which a format of the information element is an information element format capable of being identified by the first switching network board; and performing, by the adapter card, format conversion on the information elements according to an information element format capable of being identified by a second switching network board, and sending the converted information elements to the second switching network board. In this manner, different types of switching network boards can be interconnected and communicate with each other, so as to implement data transmission between network devices having different structures.