High-Performance Computer Routing with Congestion-Aware Port Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current adaptive routing in high-performance computers is not flexible enough to avoid congestion in network paths, leading to inefficient packet transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method for adaptive routing that selects an output port based on predefined determination functions considering network congestion parameters, ensuring that congested ports are avoided.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If deterministic routing is used, then path selection is simple and predictable, but congestion occurs on the same path between two specific nodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting simplicityVSAvoidnetwork throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic routing by selecting from multiple determination functions (deterministic, adaptive, random) based on real-time congestion detection. The system transitions from static deterministic routing to dynamic adaptive routing when congestion is detected, allowing the network to respond to changing conditions and avoid congestion on previously used paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the routing determination parameter from a fixed deterministic method to a selectable method based on congestion parameters. When congestion exceeds a threshold, the system switches from deterministic port selection to adaptive or random selection, effectively changing the routing behavior parameter to avoid congested paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single predetermined adaptive routing method is used, then routing is called adaptive, but flexibility is limited and congested paths may still be chosen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting adaptabilityVSAvoidpacket transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by providing multiple determination functions (deterministic, adaptive, random) that can be selected based on network conditions. This universal approach allows the routing system to handle different scenarios appropriately, switching between functions to maintain both adaptability and transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring network congestion levels and using this information to select appropriate determination functions. The system continuously receives feedback about path congestion and adjusts its routing strategy accordingly, switching from deterministic to adaptive or random routing when congestion is detected, thereby improving packet transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple determination functions are available, then routing flexibility improves, but router complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidrouter configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple determination functions and their associated parameters in the router before operation. The system prepares various routing strategies in advance and selects from them based on real-time conditions, avoiding the need for complex runtime configuration while maintaining routing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4597974A1Method for adaptive routing in high-performance computers
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 BULL SA
  • EP4597974A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4597974A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4597974A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention concerns a method for adaptive routing implemented by a router (11) of a high-performance computer (1), the method comprising at least: - Receiving, at an input port (11) of the plurality of input ports of the router (11), a packet to be routed towards an output port of the plurality of output ports (01,02) of the router (11), - Selecting an output port determination function from a plurality of predefined determination functions, based on a compliance of a network congestion of output ports of the plurality of output ports (01,02) with predefined parameters, - Using the determination function to determine at least one output port from a subset of the plurality of output ports (01,02), the subset of the plurality of output ports (01,02) being determined based on the plurality of predefined parameters, - Sending the packet using the determined output port.