Ethernet Repeater Frame Distribution Across Multiple Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing repeaters in Ethernet networks face inefficiencies when handling simultaneously received frames with the same destination address, as they often restrict communication speed to the maximum capacity of a single path, leading to suboptimal transmission due to concentration of frames onto a single communication path.
Innovation Solution
A repeater design with multiple ports and communication paths that distributes frames with the same destination address across multiple paths, ensuring each frame is transmitted via the path with the minimum relay number, thereby avoiding speed restrictions by utilizing a distributive transfer process that directs frames to the shortest path among available communication paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If frames with the same destination address are transmitted through a single shortest communication path, then the communication path is simplified and routing is easier to manage, but the communication speed is restricted to the maximum speed of that single path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame transmission by dividing frames with the same destination address into multiple groups, where each group is transmitted through a different communication path. This allows parallel transmission across multiple paths rather than serial transmission through a single path, thereby increasing overall communication speed while maintaining manageable routing through systematic group distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional single-path transmission to multi-dimensional parallel transmission by utilizing multiple communication paths simultaneously. Frames are distributed across different paths (adding a dimensional aspect to transmission), which eliminates the speed bottleneck of a single path while the routing mechanism remains organized through destination address-based grouping.
2Ease of operation
If multiple frames with the same destination address are concentrated into one communication path, then routing management is simplified, but the total communication speed is limited by the maximum speed of that single path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the stream of frames with the same destination address into multiple sub-streams, each assigned to a different communication path. This segmentation enables parallel processing and transmission, increasing total communication throughput while the routing management remains systematic through destination address-based classification and distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple communication paths to transmit frames simultaneously, combining the capacity of several paths to achieve higher total communication speed. The routing management merges the classification logic (by destination address) with the distribution mechanism, creating a unified approach that simplifies operation while maximizing productivity.
3Loss of time
If all frames are transmitted through the shortest communication path, then the number of relays is minimized, but frames with large data amounts experience speed restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments frame transmission by distributing frames across multiple communication paths based on their characteristics (such as data amount and destination address). This allows large data frames to be transmitted in parallel through multiple paths, reducing the impact of relay delay while maintaining high transmission speeds through concurrent transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic frame distribution where the selection of communication paths is not fixed but adapts based on frame characteristics, destination addresses, and network conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize for both relay delay and transmission speed by flexibly allocating frames to appropriate paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A repeater for transferring same-destination frames that are addressed to a destination Electronic Control Unit (ECU) efficiently by receiving the frames from respectively different ports, includes: four ports; and a switcher, wherein the first and second ports respectively originating a communication path to an individual ECU, and the third and fourth ports respectively connected to an individual ECU that is different from the one connected the first and second ports, and when the same-destination frames are received by the third and fourth ports of the repeater at the same time, the switcher distributes the same-destination frames among the first and second ports to be transferred via two, i.e., different, communication paths toward one, i.e., same, destination ECU.