Distributed Switch Fabric Connectivity for Scalable Packet Forwarding

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network devices with switch fabrics occupy valuable space and consume power resources, limiting their packet switching capabilities and efficiency, especially in smaller form factor designs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a distributed non-blocking switch fabric component within each die of the network device, eliminating the need for a standalone switch fabric, which provides efficient all-to-all connectivity among packet forwarding components and allows for scalable, 100% utilization of network resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standalone switch fabric is used to connect packet forwarding components, then connectivity is achieved, but space and power resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidspace

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The switch fabric functionality is merged into each packet forwarding component die, eliminating the need for a separate standalone switch fabric. Each die includes an integrated switch fabric component that connects to other dies, achieving connectivity while reducing overall space consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The network device is segmented into multiple dies, each containing its own packet forwarding components and switch fabric component. This segmentation allows distributed connectivity without requiring a centralized switch fabric, optimizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a standalone switch fabric is used to connect packet forwarding components, then connectivity is achieved, but power resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidpower resources

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The switch fabric functionality is merged into each packet forwarding component die, eliminating the need for a separate standalone switch fabric. Each die includes an integrated switch fabric component that connects to other dies, achieving connectivity while reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The network device is segmented into multiple dies, each containing its own packet forwarding components and switch fabric component. This segmentation allows distributed connectivity without requiring a centralized switch fabric, optimizing power utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If a distributed switch fabric component is incorporated within each die, then space and power resources are saved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovespaceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network device is segmented into multiple dies, each containing its own packet forwarding components and switch fabric component. This segmentation allows distributed connectivity without requiring a centralized switch fabric, optimizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each die serves multiple functions by integrating both packet forwarding components and switch fabric components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the distributed architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12375399B2Scalable multi-plane fabric-less connectivity for packet forwarding engine

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 JUNIPER NETWORKS INC

AI summary

A network device includes one or more dies, wherein each die, of the one or more dies includes one or more packet forwarding components and a switch fabric component. The switch fabric component of a particular die, of the one or more dies, may be connected to the one or more forwarding components of the particular die, and may be configured to provide a switching plane for the one or more packet forwarding components of the particular die. A first die, of the one or more dies, may be connected to the one or more packet forwarding components of a second die of the one or more dies, and may be configured to provide a switching plane for the one or more packet forwarding components of the second die. The switch fabric component may be included in each of the one or more dies and the network device does not include a standalone switch fabric component.