Inter-device Communication via Ring Buffers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices require host processor intervention for communication, leading to increased latency and management overhead.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism for direct inter-device communication using ring buffers, where each device pair uses two buffers for sending and receiving messages, eliminating the need for host processor mediation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices communicate through the host processor, then communication can be managed centrally, but latency increases and management overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the host processor and implements it directly in the storage devices. Devices establish direct communication paths through ring buffers and inter-device messaging, eliminating the need for host processor mediation. This allows devices to communicate autonomously while maintaining reliable communication management through built-in device protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into independent device-level communication channels. Each device pair uses dedicated ring buffers and message queues, allowing parallel communication operations without centralized coordination. This segmentation reduces latency by enabling simultaneous inter-device communications without host processor bottlenecks.
2Reliability
If devices communicate through the host processor, then communication can be coordinated, but management overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Storage devices are equipped with autonomous communication capabilities, including ring buffer management, message routing, and coordination protocols. Devices self-manage their communication state, track buffer positions, and coordinate with peer devices without requiring host processor intervention. This self-service approach reduces management overhead while maintaining reliable coordination through device-level protocols.
3Productivity
If direct inter-device communication is implemented, then latency is reduced and productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ring buffers as intermediary data structures that facilitate direct device communication. These buffers act as mediators between communicating devices, providing a standardized interface for message exchange. The ring buffer abstraction simplifies the communication mechanism by handling buffer management, overflow/underflow detection, and synchronization, thereby reducing the effective complexity while enabling high-speed direct communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed. The system may include two devices, along with a processor to communicate with the two devices. A buffer may store an entry including a communication from one device to the other device.