GPU Network Packetization for High Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current networking technologies face challenges in achieving high throughput for data transmission, particularly in handling large amounts of data such as high-definition video and other multimedia content, as they inefficiently utilize computing resources and power.

Innovation Solution

The use of a graphics processing unit (GPU) for network packetization, where data is organized into textures with headers, footers, and spans, allowing for parallel processing and output through network ports, thereby bypassing the limitations of central processing unit (CPU) sequential scan algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If CPU sequential scan algorithms are used for network packetization, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidprocessing architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the packetization process into distinct functional components: header generation, data payload processing, footer generation, and parallel processing streams. The GPU architecture divides data into multiple spans that can be processed simultaneously, with each span handling independent packetization tasks. This segmentation enables high-throughput parallel processing while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a texture memory structure as an intermediary between the GPU processing units and the network output. This texture serves as a buffer and organization layer that receives processed packet data from multiple parallel GPU streams, organizes it into proper network packet format with headers and footers, and prepares it for network transmission. This intermediary simplifies the coordination of parallel processing results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If GPU parallel processing is used for network packetization, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidprocessing architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the GPU's universal parallel processing architecture, originally designed for graphics rendering, to perform network packetization functions. The same GPU hardware that processes graphical data is utilized to process network data packets, with the texture memory structure serving multiple purposes: as a rendering target for graphics and as a packetization buffer for network data. This multi-functionality increases productivity without requiring dedicated specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the GPU from traditional graphics rendering modes to packetization processing modes. By adjusting how the GPU interprets and processes texture data - treating network packets as graphical elements to be rendered and organized - the system achieves high-speed packetization using existing GPU infrastructure. This parameter change allows the GPU to function as a high-throughput packetization engine without fundamental architectural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If CPU sequential processing is used, then device complexity is low, but use of energy is inefficient for high-bandwidth data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddata throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data stream into multiple parallel processing lanes within the GPU architecture, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple packets across different shader cores. This segmentation enables the system to handle high-bandwidth data more efficiently by distributing processing load across multiple energy-efficient parallel units rather than overloading a single sequential processor, improving both throughput and energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If traditional networking packetization is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is insufficient for high-definition video transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a texture memory structure as an intermediary between the GPU processing units and the network output. This texture serves as a buffer and organization layer that receives processed packet data from multiple parallel GPU streams, organizes it into proper network packet format with headers and footers, and prepares it for network transmission. This intermediary simplifies the coordination of parallel processing results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9761038B2Using GPU for network packetization
Publication Date: 2017.09.12 BARCO INC
  • US9761038B2 patent drawing
  • US9761038B2 patent drawing
  • US9761038B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Information to be sent over a network, such as the Ethernet, is packetized by using a graphics processing unit (GPU). The GPU performs packetization of data with much higher throughput than a typical central processing unit (CPU). The packetized data may be output through an Ethernet port, video port, or other port of an electronic system.