Cut-Through Forwarding Module Pre-Loading Unit Multi-Mode Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cut-through forwarding systems require tight control over latency and jitter to ensure deterministic behavior and scalability across multiple modes, but conventional solutions using dedicated hardware blocks are expensive, inflexible, and require separate blocks for each mode, leading to increased cost and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A cut-through forwarding module with a pre-loading unit and processing unit that partitions data frames into blocks, allowing for pre-loading and transmission before complete frame receipt, and supports multiple forwarding modes with programmable code, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated hardware blocks are used for each cut-through mode, then latency and jitter control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cut-through forwarding module that can operate in multiple cut-through modes (Ethernet, InfiniBand, Fibre Channel) through programmable control logic. Instead of dedicated hardware blocks for each protocol, a single reconfigurable module handles different protocols by loading appropriate control parameters and timing configurations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining deterministic latency and jitter control across all modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based configuration to adapt the cut-through forwarding module for different protocols. By changing control parameters such as frame spacing expectations, timing values, and processing rules rather than altering hardware architecture, the system achieves multi-mode support with deterministic performance. This allows the same hardware to be reconfigured for Ethernet, InfiniBand, or Fibre Channel by loading protocol-specific parameter sets.
2Reliability
If separate hardware blocks are implemented for each forwarding mode, then deterministic behavior is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single power-efficient cut-through forwarding module that can be dynamically reconfigured for different protocols including Ethernet, InfiniBand, and Fibre Channel. This universal module consumes significantly less power than multiple dedicated hardware blocks while maintaining deterministic behavior through programmable control logic and protocol-specific parameter configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the protocol-specific logic from hardware and relocates it to reconfigurable control parameters and software-configurable logic. This separation allows the core forwarding engine to remain simple and power-efficient, while protocol variations are handled through parameter changes rather than additional power-hungry hardware blocks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated hardware blocks are used to support multiple cut-through modes, then scalability is achieved, but real estate requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a compact universal cut-through forwarding module that supports multiple protocols (Ethernet, InfiniBand, Fibre Channel) within a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware blocks for each protocol, significantly reducing the real estate requirements on the switch chip while maintaining full multi-mode support and scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple protocol-specific forwarding functions into a single reconfigurable module. By combining Ethernet, InfiniBand, and Fibre Channel cut-through forwarding capabilities in one unified structure that can be programmed for different modes, the patent achieves multi-mode support with minimal real estate requirements compared to having separate hardware blocks for each protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to cut-through forwarding module (200), an integrated circuit, a semiconductor device and a method of receiving and transmitting data frames in a cut-through forwarding mode. The cut-through forwarding module (200) processes received data frames (210, 216) in data blocks. The module (200) comprises a pre-loading unit (204) for storing a first data block BL1 of a received data frame (210). The stored first data block BL1 may be pre-loaded by the pre-loading unit (204) in a transmitter unit (208) before a receiver unit 206 receives a subsequent data frame. The processing unit (202) controls the transfer of a first data block to the pre-loading unit (204) and controls the use of a pre-loaded data block as a first data block of a data frame to be transmitted.