Dual-Mode Network Interface Data Transfer with Checksum Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data transfer methods between host computing devices and network interfaces face inefficiencies, particularly in handling delays and ensuring data integrity during transmission, as they often require buffering entire data units for checksum calculations, leading to latency and potential data under-runs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-mode data processing system that uses both direct memory access (DMA) and programmed input/output (PIO) modes, along with a monitoring mechanism that detects transmission delays and inserts invalid check data to ensure data integrity, allowing for partial data transmission and subsequent retransmission when complete data is available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is buffered entirely before transmission to ensure data integrity and checksum calculations, then data reliability is improved, but transmission latency increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data transmission into multiple units (first data unit, second data unit) that can be transmitted independently. The first data unit can be transmitted immediately when ready, while the second data unit is transmitted subsequently. This segmentation allows partial transmission without waiting for complete data assembly, reducing latency while maintaining integrity through individual unit validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by preparing the first data unit for transmission before the complete data set is available. The system calculates checksums and prepares transmission protocols for available data units in advance, allowing immediate transmission when ready rather than waiting for complete data assembly, thus reducing latency while ensuring integrity through pre-calculated validation data.
2Productivity
If data is transmitted in partial units to reduce latency, then productivity is improved, but data integrity becomes more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through checksum calculations for each data unit. The transmitting device calculates and attaches checksum data to each transmitted unit, and the receiving device validates each unit independently using these checksums. This feedback loop ensures that even when data is transmitted in partial units, each unit's integrity can be verified and validated independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of buffering complete data before transmission with an informational approach using checksums and validation data. Instead of physically holding all data in buffers before sending, the system uses computational checksums to verify integrity of transmitted units, substituting mechanical buffering with informational validation that enables faster partial transmission.
3Productivity
If dual-mode data transfer (DMA and PIO) is implemented to improve efficiency, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode selection where the data transfer mode (DMA or PIO) can be changed based on operational requirements. The system can switch between direct memory access mode for high-volume transfers and programmed input/output mode for other scenarios, allowing optimal performance for different data transfer situations without being locked into a single fixed mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal data transfer interface that supports multiple transfer modes (DMA and PIO) through the same network interface device. This multi-functional design allows the device to handle different types of data transfer operations using appropriate modes, making the system more versatile and efficient without requiring separate hardware for each mode.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing system and method are provided. A host computing device comprises at least one processor. A network interface device is arranged to couple the host computing device to a network. The network interface device comprises a buffer for receiving data for transmission from the host computing device. The processor is configured to execute instructions to transfer the data for transmission to the buffer. The data processing system further comprises an indicator store configured to store an indication that at least some of the data for transmission has been transferred to the buffer wherein the indication is associated with a descriptor pointing to the buffer.