Distributed Bridge Register Access via Token Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
In highly integrated computer networks, server computers experience transmission bottlenecks and delays due to centralized switches, leading to configuration and management challenges, increased hardware costs, and latency when forwarding data frames.
Innovation Solution
A distributed bridge environment with controlling bridges and distributed bridge elements that facilitate efficient register access by using token protocols, semaphore mechanisms, and history queues to manage data frames and prevent conflicts, allowing direct communication between server computers and reducing reliance on top of rack switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If centralized switches are used to forward data frames between server computers, then routing and connectivity management is simplified, but transmission bottlenecks and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized switch functionality into multiple distributed bridge elements deployed across different server computers. Each bridge element handles local forwarding independently, eliminating the single-point bottleneck of centralized switches while maintaining simplified routing through standardized bridge protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controlling bridge that acts as an intermediary to manage and coordinate the distributed bridge elements. The controlling bridge generates and communicates data frames with register access requests, enabling centralized management functions to be performed through the distributed architecture without requiring all traffic to pass through a single centralized switch.
2Productivity
If the number of switches is increased to accommodate additional traffic, then network capacity increases, but configuration and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal bridge elements that can be deployed in any server computer within the network. Each bridge element performs the same standardized functions (forwarding, register access, token protocol compliance), allowing network capacity to scale by simply adding more identical units rather than configuring increasingly complex specialized switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed bridge elements autonomously handle their own forwarding decisions and register access operations based on token protocols and local state. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex centralized configuration and management of each individual switch, as each element independently manages its own operations while coordinating through standardized protocols.
3Device complexity
If centralized switches are used for all data frame forwarding, then network topology is simplified, but hardware costs and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the forwarding function from the control function. Distributed bridge elements perform local forwarding operations segment by segment, reducing the distance data frames must travel and eliminating hops through centralized switches. The controlling bridge segments management responsibilities, allowing topology to remain logically simple while physically distributing forwarding operations to reduce latency.
4Productivity
If distributed bridge elements access registers directly, then processing efficiency increases, but access conflicts and security issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling bridge serves as an intermediary that mediates all register access requests from distributed bridge elements. It generates data frames containing register access requests and manages the token protocols that control access timing and permissions. This intermediary role maintains security and prevents conflicts by coordinating access while still enabling efficient direct processing at the bridge element level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where bridge elements communicate their state and access requests to the controlling bridge, which responds with coordinated access permissions through token protocols. This feedback loop ensures that direct register access by distributed elements remains efficient while maintaining security through continuous coordination and verification of access rights.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to perform a register access are described. A particular method includes receiving a data frame at a bridge element of a plurality of bridge elements in communication with a plurality of server computers. The data frame may include a register access request and may be forwarded from a controlling bridge in communication with the plurality of bridge elements. A register may be accessed and execution of the register access request may be initiated in response to receiving the data frame.