Counter Subsystem Asynchronous Processing for Internet Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems face challenges in efficiently detecting and processing a large number of counting signals from data packets passing through Internet access points without loss, particularly due to high memory requirements and the need for rapid counter updates to keep up with high transfer speeds, leading to potential overflows and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method where the counting signals are transmitted and processed outside the data path using a counter subsystem with a cache and full counter memory, utilizing SRAM for fast access and DRAM for storage, allowing asynchronous processing and avoiding the need for real-time updates, thus reducing memory requirements and preventing overflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If counters are updated in real-time within the data path to keep pace with high transmission speeds, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the counting function from the data path by introducing a separate counter subsystem that operates independently. Counters are removed from the critical data forwarding path and placed in a separate memory structure, allowing the data path to operate at full speed while counting operations occur asynchronously, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing counting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-allocating counter structures in memory and preparing counter update mechanisms in advance. Counter values are accumulated in a buffer structure that is ready to receive and process counting data asynchronously, eliminating the need for real-time updates during data packet forwarding.
2Measurement precision
If counters are updated at the full transmission speed to maintain accurate counts, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time occurs due to the additional processing burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by implementing an asynchronous counter update mechanism that operates continuously without interrupting the data path. Counters accumulate values in a buffer structure that is continuously updated at full transmission speed, while the main data forwarding operation proceeds without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-preparing counter buffer structures and updating them asynchronously before any potential overflow or data loss can occur. This allows the system to maintain accurate counts without adding processing time to the critical data path.
3Measurement precision
If a large number of counters are implemented to track all users and services, then measurement precision is improved, but memory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the counter system into multiple independent counter structures organized in a buffer. Each counter is segmented and allocated specific memory regions, allowing efficient memory management. The counter buffer is segmented into individual counter entries that can be independently accessed and updated, reducing overall memory requirements through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional flat counter array to a multi-dimensional counter buffer structure with dimensions for user identification, service type, and counter value. This dimensional organization allows efficient memory utilization by only allocating space for actually used counter combinations, significantly reducing memory requirements while maintaining the ability to track all users and services.
4Measurement precision
If counters are located within the data path to enable real-time counting, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes less flexible in processing counting signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the counter subsystem from the data path, placing counters in a separate memory structure that can be independently accessed. This separation provides flexibility in processing counting signals while maintaining accurate real-time counts, as the counter buffer can be updated asynchronously without being constrained by data path timing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the counter subsystem flexible and adaptable through asynchronous operation. The counter buffer can dynamically adjust its update rate and processing timing independent of the data path, allowing the system to adapt to varying transmission speeds and counting requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a method for acquiring and processing a count signal associated with a data packet (18) that passes through an internet access point such as a BNG (2) or a UPF during its data path (1), wherein the count signal is generated by a counter trigger (7, 10) located in the data path (1) of the data packet (18) before and/or after the data packet (18) is temporarily stored in a QoS processing system (4) of the internet access point, wherein the count signal includes information about a packet size and a counter ID of the data packet (18), and wherein the count signal is stored in a counter indexed for the respective counter ID, and wherein the count signal is transmitted to a counter subsystem (9) located outside the data path (1) of the data packet (18) and processed there.Furthermore, this invention relates to a counter subsystem wherein the counter subsystem (9) is a functional unit of an internet access point, such as a BNG (2) or a UPF, located outside the data path (1) of a data packet (18).