Guard Band Soft-Blocking for Queue Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-arbitrary networks, ensuring low latency for high-priority data transmission while preventing interference from lower priority data flows is challenging, especially when network devices connect and disconnect arbitrarily, leading to synchronization issues between local and global clocks.
Innovation Solution
A network device with a first and second queue, a determination module, a counter module, and a comparison module is used to schedule high-priority data transmission by converting time remaining in a guard band into a size representative, comparing it with the size of lower priority frames, and determining whether to permit or block their transmission during this window, using time-aware blocking shapers to maintain synchronization and minimize latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lower priority data frames are transmitted during guard band periods, then network utilization is improved, but latency for high-priority data transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the blocking decision parameter from a fixed time-based approach to a size-based approach. By comparing the size of lower priority frames against the remaining guard band time converted to size units, the system adapts the blocking behavior to actual frame characteristics, allowing smaller frames to pass while blocking larger ones that would cause high-priority latency
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking shaper transitions from static blocking to dynamic soft-blocking based on real-time conditions. The counter module continuously tracks remaining guard band time and converts it to size representation, enabling the comparison module to make dynamic decisions about whether to block or permit transmission based on current frame size and time constraints
2Loss of time
If time-aware blocking is implemented to prevent interference with high-priority data, then latency is reduced, but network device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking shaper is segmented into distinct functional modules: a counter module that tracks remaining guard band time, a conversion mechanism that transforms time to size representation, and a comparison module that decides blocking based on frame size comparison. This segmentation allows each module to perform a simple, well-defined function, reducing overall system complexity while achieving time-aware blocking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion mechanism that translates the abstract concept of remaining time into a concrete size representation. This intermediary allows the comparison module to work with familiar frame size parameters rather than time values, simplifying the blocking decision logic while maintaining time-awareness
3Adaptability or versatility
If network devices connect and disconnect arbitrarily, then network adaptability is improved, but synchronization between local and global clocks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary conversion of the remaining guard band time into size representation before making blocking decisions. By pre-calculating and storing the size equivalent of remaining time, the system prepares blocking decisions in advance, allowing quick responses to arbitrary device connections and disconnections without disrupting clock synchronization
Data Source
AI summary
A network device including first and second queues, a determination module, a counter module, a comparison module and a blocking shaper. The determination module determines a size of the second frame. The counter module determines an amount of time remaining in a guard band and converts the amount of time to a size representative of the time remaining in the guard band. The guard band refers to a period of time leading up to a window. The first frame is scheduled to be forwarded from the first queue during the window. The comparison module compares the size of the second frame to the size representative of the time remaining in the guard band and generates a result based on the comparison. The blocking shaper, based on the result, determines whether to permit or block transmission of the second frame from the second queue during the guard band.