Configurable Gearbox for Dynamic Packet Optical Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packet optical communication network switches are inflexible and cannot dynamically adjust the number of input and output lanes, leading to inefficiencies when the input width and output width of the data bus are not fixed and change dynamically.
Innovation Solution
A gearbox system with multiplexers and a controller that dynamically couples output lines to input lines using a modulo formula to ensure even distribution across clock cycles, allowing for a variable number of inputs to be connected to outputs without increasing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed conversion switch designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler and device structure is more straightforward, but adaptability deteriorates when input and output widths dynamically change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability by allowing the switch to change its input-output lane mapping relationships in real-time based on traffic demands. The switch can dynamically adjust which input lanes are connected to which output lanes, transforming from a static fixed conversion design to a dynamic reconfigurable architecture that adapts to varying network conditions without requiring physical hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple input-output lane configurations simultaneously. A single switch device can perform different conversion functions (e.g., 4:2, 8:4, 16:8 lane conversions) by reconfiguring its internal connections through control logic, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated switches for different lane ratios and providing multi-functional adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different conversion designs are required for different input lines versus output lines, then conversion accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal switch fabric architecture that can be manufactured as a single standardized device. This universal design uses programmable control logic to achieve different input-output lane mappings, allowing one manufacturing process to produce switches that can be configured for various lane conversions (4:2, 8:4, 16:8, etc.) through software or control signal programming, rather than requiring separate manufacturing lines for each configuration type.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch utilizes parameter changes in its control logic to achieve different conversion configurations. By modifying control parameters such as lane assignment mappings, connection matrices, and routing tables through programming or configuration signals, the same physical hardware can adapt to different input-output lane requirements, enabling flexible configurability without changing the physical manufacturing process.
3Productivity
If the number of inputs exceeds the number of outputs, then more data can be processed, but latency increases for some inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing in the switch fabric to handle cases where input lanes exceed output lanes. The switch periodically cycles through different input lanes for connection to output lanes in a systematic sequence, ensuring that each input lane gets fair access to output resources over time. This periodic rotation mechanism prevents any single input from experiencing excessive latency while maintaining high overall throughput by keeping all switch resources continuously utilized.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch employs dynamic connection establishment that adapts connection assignments based on current traffic conditions and input queue states. When multiple inputs compete for limited outputs, the control logic dynamically adjusts which inputs are connected to which outputs in real-time, optimizing the matching to minimize latency for high-priority traffic while maintaining fair resource distribution. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high productivity while managing latency through intelligent, condition-based connection management.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and methods for a configurable gearbox with a variable number of input lanes and output lanes and a multiplexer for each output lane that can be configured to dynamically select any of the input lanes during each clock cycle.