Communication Controller Process Identifier Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory management systems fail to protect shared resources from out-of-scope use by assigned processes and do not manage how assigned processes use resources, leading to potential interference and improper data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A communications controller with a data transfer unit and a protocol engine, where data transfer is controlled based on a process identifier, using bandwidth, transmission management data, and payload content to prevent process entities from blocking transmit elements and sending improper data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memory management systems (MMU, IOMMU) are used to protect transmit resources, then access protection between processes is improved, but the system cannot prevent out-of-scope use by assigned processes and cannot manage how processes use shared resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a circuit as an intermediary component between the data transfer unit and protocol engine. This circuit monitors and controls data transfers by examining process identifiers and comparing them against configured process lists for each transmit resource, thereby preventing out-of-scope access and managing resource usage that traditional MMU/IOMMU cannot handle
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the circuit continuously monitors data transfers, identifies the source process through process identifiers, and dynamically controls access based on pre-configured permissions. This feedback loop enables real-time management of shared resources while maintaining protection
2Reliability
If transmit resources are assigned to specific processes, then protection from interference is improved, but shared resources cannot be efficiently utilized and fixed assignment increases silicon footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where transmit resources are not permanently assigned to specific processes but are temporarily granted based on runtime permissions configured in the circuit. This dynamic approach allows shared resources to be efficiently utilized by multiple processes while maintaining interference protection, avoiding the need to duplicate expensive hardware for each process
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit provides universal access control functionality that manages multiple processes sharing common transmit resources. Instead of requiring dedicated resources for each process, the single circuit instance can manage permissions for multiple processes, reducing silicon footprint while maintaining protection
3Reliability
If data rate limiters and filters are used on transmit paths, then network protection is improved, but transmit resources remain vulnerable to out-of-scope use by assigned processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by configuring the circuit with pre-defined process permissions and process identifier mappings before runtime. This pre-configuration enables the circuit to proactively prevent out-of-scope access attempts before they can affect transmit resources, addressing the vulnerability that data rate limiters alone cannot prevent
Data Source
AI summary
A communications controller is disclosed. The communications controller includes a data transfer unit and a protocol engine. The communications controller further includes a circuit configured to control transfer of data from the data transfer unit to the protocol engine in dependence upon a process identifier which identifies a process entity requiring the protocol engine to transmit data for the process entity.