Inter-Plane Ring Connectivity for Credit Loop Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Credit loops in network topologies can cause deadlocks, blocking large parts of the network, and existing solutions are slow to react to failures or assume specific topologies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multiplane network device with multiple smaller-bandwidth switch ICs that are not visible to users, using a ring mechanism for inter-plane connectivity with credit loop prevention based on a set of rules, allowing only specific traffic to cross planes and reserving one link as a backup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single high-bandwidth switch IC is used, then bandwidth is improved, but the risk of credit loop deadlock increases and recovery is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single high-bandwidth switch IC into multiple smaller-bandwidth switch ICs organized into separate planes. Each plane operates independently with its own switch ICs, so that a credit loop deadlock in one plane does not propagate to other planes. This segmentation maintains aggregate bandwidth while reducing the risk and impact of deadlocks through spatial isolation of failure domains.
2Reliability
If credit loop avoidance is implemented through central routing algorithms, then deadlock prevention is improved, but response speed to failures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements distributed credit management where each switching element autonomously tracks and manages its own credit balances with neighboring elements. When a credit loop is detected or prevented, the system self-corrects without requiring central algorithm intervention. This decentralized approach maintains high reliability through continuous local monitoring while achieving fast response speeds through immediate local action.
3Reliability
If multiple smaller-bandwidth switch ICs are used, then credit loop risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each switching element to perform multiple functions: it operates as a standard switching element within its plane, manages credit balances with neighbors, participates in ring mechanism formation for deadlock prevention, and can detect and report credit loop conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve credit loop prevention through moderate architectural additions rather than requiring completely separate dedicated components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If inter-plane connectivity is enabled, then network versatility is improved, but credit loop formation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes credit balance tracking and ring mechanism rules before traffic flows between planes. Credit limits are pre-calculated and enforced, preventing credit loop formation before it can occur. The ring mechanism is configured in advance with specific forwarding rules that block potential credit loop paths while still allowing legitimate inter-plane traffic, thus enabling versatility while preemptively preventing reliability issues.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device, communication system, and method are provided. In one example, a network device is described that includes a plurality of switching elements, each switching element in the plurality of switching elements corresponding to a different plane from a plurality of planes in a planarized network. The network device also includes a ring mechanism generated based on a set of rules that permits inter-plane connectivity between the plurality of switching elements.