Ethernet Relay Apparatus for Collision-Free Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Ethernet communications, there is a delay in transmitting data from a receive host to a transmit host due to the need for retransmission after collision detection, which can lead to prolonged data transmission times.
Innovation Solution
A communications interface apparatus with a relay that processes received data based on predetermined conditions, including destination and source addresses, type, and transmission time variables, to create transmit data and send it at optimal times, avoiding collisions by synchronizing with the transmission status of the MAC layer interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is transmitted using traditional Ethernet CSMA/CD protocol with collision detection and retransmission, then devices can share a single transmission medium, but data transmission time is prolonged due to collision detection and random retransmission delays
Solution Approach 1:
The relay performs preliminary actions by detecting data types and addresses of incoming packets, pre-calculating optimal transmission times, and preparing transmit packets in advance before actual transmission is needed. This eliminates the random waiting period in traditional CSMA/CD by having the transmit packet ready immediately when the transmission opportunity arises.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the transmission status of the MAC layer interface and adjusting its transmission timing accordingly. It detects whether the MAC interface is currently transmitting data and uses this feedback to determine the optimal moment to transmit pre-prepared packets, thereby avoiding collisions without requiring random backoff delays.
2Reliability
If transmit data is created after receiving and processing data in the upper layer, then data integrity is maintained, but transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay performs preliminary processing on received data immediately upon reception, creating transmit packets in advance based on detected data types and addresses. Instead of waiting for upper layer processing to complete, the relay prepares the transmit packet structure beforehand, maintaining data integrity through proper field validation while significantly reducing the overall transmission delay.
3Measurement precision
If random time period is used for retransmission after collision, then collision detection accuracy is improved, but overall transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay uses feedback from the MAC layer transmission status to determine precise transmission timing. By monitoring whether the MAC interface is currently transmitting, the relay can transmit packets at optimal moments without collisions, eliminating the need for random backoff periods while maintaining collision-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission timing of the relay is dynamic rather than static. Instead of using fixed random delays, the relay continuously adjusts its transmission timing based on real-time monitoring of MAC layer activity, transmitting packets during idle periods and avoiding periods when the MAC interface is actively transmitting, thereby maximizing transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments relate to a communications interface apparatus that may include: a physical layer interface configured to receive first data from an external device and output the received first data; a relay configured to create first transmit data based on processing condition information of received data; and a medium control access (MAC) layer interface configured to receive the receive data output via the physical layer interface, transmit the received data to an upper layer, and receive second data in response to the transmitted data. The relay may store the processing condition information corresponding to the data received from the external device, and create the first transmit data based on the processing condition information corresponding to the received data when the received data is output via the physical layer interface.