Ethernet Ring Network for Low-Latency Audio Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data communication networks, such as Ethernet, face challenges in achieving low latency for time-sensitive data types like audio data, while specialized data buses like MOST and A2B struggle with non-audio data communication, leading to increased hardware costs and complexity due to the need for multiple networks and gateways.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an Ethernet-based ring network with multi-port bridges that use cut-through forwarding for time-sensitive data types and store-and-forward techniques for non-time-sensitive data types, allowing for efficient communication of specified data types with reduced latency and eliminating the need for multiple networks and gateways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Ethernet networks are used for time-sensitive data communication, then general-purpose data communication is achieved, but latency is too high for time-sensitive data types like audio data
Solution Approach 1:
The network traffic is segmented into time-sensitive data (audio) and non-time-sensitive data (other protocols). Audio data is forwarded immediately through dedicated paths while other data uses standard Ethernet protocols, allowing low-latency communication for audio without sacrificing general-purpose communication capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Different forwarding methods are applied to different data types based on their specific requirements. Audio data receives cut-through forwarding with highest priority for low latency, while other data types use standard store-and-forward Ethernet protocols, optimizing each data type's transmission characteristics
2Loss of time
If specialized data buses like MOST or A2B are used for audio data communication, then low latency is achieved, but hardware cost and complexity increase due to inability to communicate non-audio data
Solution Approach 1:
The Ethernet network infrastructure is made multi-functional by implementing priority-based queuing and cut-through forwarding capabilities that can handle both time-sensitive audio data and non-time-sensitive other data through the same physical medium, eliminating the need for separate specialized buses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges audio data communication and other data communication into a single Ethernet network infrastructure, using protocol differentiation and priority forwarding to maintain low latency for audio while sharing the same hardware resources, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple networks and gateways are used to handle different data types, then specialized communication requirements are met, but hardware cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single Ethernet network device is designed to handle multiple data types (audio and other protocols) simultaneously through priority-based queuing and different forwarding methods, making the device universal and eliminating the need for separate networks and gateways for different data types
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide for a ring network, such as an Ethernet-based ring network, for communicating specified data types, such audio data types. A ring network of some embodiments can be used in such applications as data network communications between sensors (e.g., cameras, motion, radar, etc.) and computing equipment within vehicles (e.g., smart and autonomous cars).