Communication Device Buffering for Constant Propagation Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks with time distribution protocols, standard Ethernet switches introduce unpredictable delays due to varying dwell times of data packets, which disrupt precise time synchronization between clocks, especially when additional devices generate data traffic and send packets concurrently, complicating the implementation of transparent clock methods.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a data buffer of predetermined size temporarily stores incoming data and outputs it after determining unused gaps in the data stream, ensuring constant propagation times by buffering data synchronously and delaying its output to maintain consistent transit times, thus supporting time synchronization without disrupting it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a communication device forwards data packets through Ethernet switches in a network with time distribution protocols, then data transmission is enabled, but unpredictable delays occur due to varying dwell times in the switches, disrupting precise time synchronization between clocks
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device performs preliminary actions by buffering incoming data packets before forwarding them. The device determines the size of unused data areas in advance and prepares to output additional data only when sufficient space is available, ensuring that propagation times remain constant and predictable for time synchronization protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional data generated by the communication device is output concurrently with forwarded data packets, then device functionality is enhanced, but data packet delays occur when additional data is transmitted simultaneously, disrupting time synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device dynamically adjusts its data output behavior based on buffer status. The control unit continuously monitors the size of unused data areas in the buffer and dynamically determines when to output additional data, ensuring that output operations only occur when they will not disrupt the constant propagation time requirement for time synchronization.
3Loss of time
If the communication device buffers received data before output, then constant propagation times are achieved, but additional data can only be output when buffer gaps are available, limiting transmission flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device uses a buffer as an intermediary between data reception and output. The buffer with predetermined size allows the device to decouple the reception and transmission processes, enabling constant propagation times while providing opportunities to insert additional data in unused buffer areas without compromising transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (600) for data transmission via a communication device (100). The communication device (100) is configured to receive data via an input (Rx, A), output the received data via an output (Tx, B) of the communication device (100), and output additional data via the output (Tx, B). In the method, data is received via the input (Rx, A) and temporarily stored in a data buffer (110). The data buffer (110) has a predetermined size. The temporarily stored data is then output via the output (Tx, B). Additionally, the size of a data range in the data buffer (110) that is not used by the received data is determined, and additional data is output via the output (Tx, B) depending on this size.