Dynamic Port Descriptor Version Selection in FICON

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication technologies within computing environments, such as FICON, face challenges in efficiently managing and adapting to faster port speeds and technological advancements, particularly in selecting appropriate port descriptors for communication.

Innovation Solution

A computer program product is developed to facilitate communication by selecting and obtaining a port descriptor version, allowing commands to specify the desired version, which includes enhanced information for faster port speeds and technological modifications, enabling dynamic adaptation and efficient communication within the computing environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed port descriptor version is used in FICON communication, then system stability is maintained, but the system cannot adapt to faster port speeds and technological advancements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to technological changesVSAvoidport descriptor management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic port descriptor version selection by allowing the system to automatically choose between different port descriptor versions (version 0 or version 1) based on the capabilities of the communication partner. This enables the FICON communication system to adapt to varying technological requirements and port speeds without requiring manual configuration or fixed version assignments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of port descriptor version from a fixed value to a dynamically selectable parameter. By introducing version indicators and allowing selection between multiple versions, the system can adjust the port descriptor format to match the required communication speed and technological capabilities, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple port descriptor versions are supported, then technological advancements and faster port speeds are accommodated, but command complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidcommand structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by including version indicators in port descriptor commands before the actual communication occurs. This allows the system to pre-establish the appropriate descriptor version based on capability exchange, ensuring that subsequent communications use the correct format without requiring complex runtime decisions or reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal command structure that can handle multiple port descriptor versions through a standardized interface. The FICON commands are designed to work with both version 0 and version 1 port descriptors using a unified approach, eliminating the need for separate command sets for each version and thereby maintaining communication efficiency while supporting technological advancements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If port descriptors are updated to include enhanced information, then communication performance improves, but backward compatibility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcompatibility across versions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the system to use different port descriptor versions based on their capabilities. The version indicator mechanism enables each communication endpoint to negotiate and use the appropriate descriptor version (version 0 for legacy systems, version 1 for advanced systems), ensuring that enhanced information structures are used only where supported while maintaining compatibility with older systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic version selection that adjusts the port descriptor format based on the communication context. The system can dynamically switch between version 0 and version 1 descriptors depending on the capabilities of the communication partner, ensuring both backward compatibility and support for enhanced communication reliability features when available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11657012B2Commands to select a port descriptor of a specific version

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A port descriptor version of a port descriptor to be obtained is selected. An indication of the port descriptor version is provided in a command to be preceded before another command used to obtain the port descriptor. The other command uses the port descriptor version to obtain the port descriptor. The port descriptor is obtained, and the port descriptor includes information relating to a port to be used in communication within the computing environment.