Flexible EMG-to-PFE Interconnects for Router Port Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forwarding planes in routers and switches lack flexibility in allocating packet forwarding engines (PFEs) to Ethernet MAC groups, restricting the ability to configure different numbers of ports and speeds per PFE, which is desired by network operators for various roles such as access, core, and edge aggregation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where Ethernet MAC groups can be dynamically allocated to PFEs through configurable interconnect data links, allowing PFEs to use Ethernet MACs based on the number of interface descriptors (IFDs) and enabling flexible configuration of PFE roles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static allocation of Ethernet MAC groups to PFEs is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic allocation of Ethernet MAC groups to PFEs through configurable interconnect data links. The system allows the association between EMG modules and PFEs to be changed over time based on operational requirements, transforming a static hardware allocation into a dynamic, reconfigurable system that adapts to different networking roles and traffic patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The configurable interconnect data links enable a single PFE to serve multiple Ethernet MAC groups at different times, and each EMG module can be associated with different PFEs based on configuration. This universal interface design allows the same hardware components to fulfill multiple functions and roles, increasing system versatility without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed number of ports per PFE is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic change of operational parameters including the number of ports, port speeds, and the association between EMG modules and PFEs. Configuration parameters such as bandwidth allocation, port aggregation settings, and PFE-EMG mapping can be adjusted based on traffic requirements, enabling the same hardware to operate with different port configurations and speed settings without physical reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If dynamic allocation of Ethernet MAC groups to PFEs is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functionality for configuring interconnect data links into the existing routing engine and control plane software. The configuration mechanisms are integrated with the control plane's existing capabilities for managing forwarding tables and interface configurations, allowing dynamic allocation to be controlled through software without adding separate dedicated hardware control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A data forwarding device includes a plurality of Ethernet MAC group (EMG) modules, each servicing a group of one or more Ethernet ports, a plurality of packet forwarding engines (PFEs), each configured adapted to process packets received from one or more of the EMG modules, and a set of configurable interconnect data links between at least one of the EMGs and at least one of the PFEs. A configuration input for configuring the set of configurable interconnect data links is received (e.g., from user interface), and applied such that a set of one or more PFEs receives packets from a set of one or more EMG modules, via one or more of the configurable interconnect data links, in accordance with the configuration input received.