Ethernet Switch TCP Non-TCP Packet Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet switches are limited in connecting devices with different data rates, requiring a more flexible and efficient method to forward high data rate packets to multiple low data rate ports while maintaining correct packet sequence and cumulated data rate.
Innovation Solution
A switch configured to forward TCP packets to any of the multiple ports without sequence analysis and non-TCP packets to a specific port, using marks to determine forwarding ports, and capable of alternating distribution among ports, supporting high to low data rate conversions and VLAN awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet switches are used to connect devices with different data rates, then data rate conversion is enabled, but the switch is limited to the data rate of the low interface port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet forwarding process into two distinct paths: TCP packets are distributed to multiple ports using round-robin selection, while non-TCP packets are forwarded to a single determined port. This segmentation allows the system to achieve cumulated data rates across multiple ports while maintaining protocol-specific reliability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of packet classification based on protocol type (TCP vs. non-TCP) to determine forwarding behavior. This dimensional differentiation enables the switch to apply different forwarding strategies to different packet types, achieving both high throughput for TCP and reliability for non-TCP traffic.
2Productivity
If TCP packets are distributed to multiple ports, then cumulated data rate is achieved, but packet sequence reconstruction must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the self-service capability of TCP protocol, which includes built-in sequence numbering and acknowledgment mechanisms. The receiving end can autonomously reconstruct the correct packet sequence using TCP's enumeration features, eliminating the need for complex external sequencing mechanisms in the switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sequence management function from the switch itself and places it at the endpoint where TCP's native sequencing capabilities can be utilized. This extraction simplifies the switch's forwarding logic while maintaining sequence integrity through protocol-level features.
3Reliability
If non-TCP packets are forwarded to a single port, then packet sequence is maintained, but data rate is limited to that port's rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal forwarding mechanism that adapts to different protocol requirements. The same switch infrastructure handles both TCP and non-TCP packets using protocol-appropriate strategies: multi-port distribution for TCP and single-port forwarding for non-TCP, achieving both reliability and throughput optimization.
4Ease of operation
If traditional Ethernet switches are used, then simple forwarding is achieved, but flexible connection of high data rate devices to multiple low data rate ports is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic forwarding behavior that adapts based on packet type. The switch dynamically selects between round-robin distribution (for TCP) and deterministic single-port forwarding (for non-TCP), enabling flexible connection of high data rate devices to multiple low data rate ports while maintaining operational simplicity through protocol-based automation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Present application relates to a switch receiving Ethernet packets, comprising TCP packets and/or non-TCP packets, and forwarding the Ethernet packets to at least two ports by forwarding each of the TCP packets to any one of the at least two ports and forwarding each stream of non-TCP packets to one corresponding port of the at least two ports. Present application relates to a device receiving Ethernet packets and providing Ethernet packets to the switch, said device generating corresponding mark for each TCP packet such that the corresponding mark allows determining one of the at least two ports, to which the TCP packet will be forwarded; and generating corresponding mark for each non-TCP packet of each corresponding stream of non-TCP packets such that the corresponding mark of each non-TCP packet of the corresponding stream allows determining one of the at least two ports, to which the corresponding stream of non-TCP packets will be forwarded.