Ethernet Controller Timing Control via Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ethernet controllers lack precise timing control, making them unsuitable for real-time communication systems that require tight transmission timing and are prone to collisions, which limits their applicability in applications like TDMA protocols.
Innovation Solution
A network interface mechanism that uses feedback to monitor transmission times, adjusts subsequent transmissions based on arrival time comparisons, and includes a transmission disable mechanism to prevent collisions, enabling precise control of transmission times and preventing 'babbling' in the media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet controllers use carrier sense medium access/collision detection mechanism, then all nodes can access the media and data communication is enabled, but precise timing control is lost and collisions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the Ethernet controller monitors the actual transmission time of messages and compares it against the scheduled transmission time. The controller adjusts subsequent transmission times based on this feedback to compensate for timing deviations, thereby achieving precise timing control while maintaining the carrier sense medium access capability.
2Ease of operation
If Ethernet controllers allow all nodes to contend for the channel, then network accessibility is improved, but collisions and data loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having each node transmit messages at pre-scheduled time slots rather than contending for the medium. The transmission schedule is established in advance, and nodes transmit according to their assigned slots, eliminating collisions before they occur while maintaining network accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet controllers use on-chip buffer for message storage, then transmission flexibility is improved, but transmission timing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the actual transmission time measurement to adjust subsequent transmission scheduling. The controller compares the actual time a message was transmitted against the scheduled time and modifies future transmission times accordingly, thereby achieving precise timing control while maintaining the flexibility to store messages in the on-chip buffer.
Data Source
AI summary
A network interface mechanism and method is provided that facilitates precise transmission time control in a computer network. The network interface mechanism and method uses feedback to provide monitoring and precise control of the transmission time. Specifically, a message detector is provided that monitors the network for transmissions from the network interface mechanism. The arrival time of messages is compared to the desired transmission time, and the transmission time of subsequent transmissions is adjusted accordingly. A transmission disable mechanism is used in the forward path to disable the transmission driver at the transmission cut off time as a means to prevent the transmission node from babbling the media. Thus, the network interface mechanism and method provide precise control of the transmission time, and thus can be used to eliminate collisions in the network. The network interface mechanism and method allows the application of Ethernet controller to have precise transmission timing control in a computer network.