Extended Data Interface for DCE Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current credit-based flow control in Data Center Ethernet (DCE) networks is not extensible to extended distances, leading to buffer credit starvation and poor performance, as it requires excessive link buffering that is not affordable for most Network Interface Card (NIC) designs, and existing solutions fail to ensure reliable operation and high performance over long distances.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of extended data interfaces (EDIs) that intercept and manage buffer credit information between source and destination nodes, providing virtualized link initialization and link recovery, ensuring continuous data transmission and integrity by intercepting and managing buffer credit reports, and performing link error recovery independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If credit-based flow control is implemented in DCE networks over extended distances, then data transmission reliability should be improved, but buffer credit starvation occurs leading to poor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that intercepts initiation sequences between source and destination nodes, generating synthetic buffer credit replies to mediate the flow control process. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing artificial buffer credit information that prevents starvation while maintaining transmission reliability over extended distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by intercepting initiation sequences before actual data transmission begins and pre-generating buffer credit replies. This preliminary intervention ensures that buffer credits are properly established before data flow starts, preventing subsequent credit starvation and maintaining both reliability and performance.
2Reliability
If excessive link buffering is provided to support extended distance flow control, then transmission reliability should be improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the buffer credit information through synthetic replies generated by the intermediary. Instead of requiring physical buffer expansion in NICs, the system copies buffer credit status information and transmits it through intercepted initiation sequences, maintaining reliability without increasing device complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary component acts as a mediator that manages buffer credit information centrally, eliminating the need for excessive local buffering in endpoint devices. By intercepting and managing credit information flow, the system reduces device complexity while maintaining flow control reliability.
3Device complexity
If traditional flow control methods are used over extended distances, then implementation simplicity should be maintained, but buffer credit starvation leads to poor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary interception of initiation sequences and generates buffer credit replies before data transmission begins. This preliminary action establishes proper flow control conditions without requiring complex real-time adjustments during transmission, maintaining implementation simplicity while improving bandwidth utilization through preventive credit management.
Data Source
AI summary
Flow control in a data center Ethernet (DCE) network is managed between a source node and a destination node separated by an extended distance. An initiation sequence between the source node and the destination node is intercepted. The imitation sequence is for determining buffer credits available for receiving packets in the source node and the destination node. Replies are generated to the source node and the destination node indicating buffer credits available in at least one extended data interface interspersed between the source node and the destination node. The initiation sequence is completed based on the replies from the extended data interface.