Latency Correction for Deterministic Transport Layer Host Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport mechanisms, such as TCP, are unable to provide deterministic transmission of data packets across multiple deterministic links due to inconsistencies with deterministic network requirements, including fixed bandwidth and precise timing, leading to issues like packet loss and latency variations.
Innovation Solution
A transport layer system that establishes deterministic links by identifying a repeating schedule for data packet transmission, determines latency between the host device and network switch, and sends correction instructions to ensure packets are transmitted at precise times, even through non-deterministic data links, using a deterministic interface circuit to maintain deterministic data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If TCP transport mechanism is used, then compatibility with existing networks is maintained, but deterministic transmission requirements (fixed bandwidth, precise timing) cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface circuit segments the data transmission process into distinct phases: a non-deterministic phase for establishing connection and a deterministic phase for actual data transmission. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compatibility with existing TCP networks while providing deterministic transmission for critical data packets through separate time-sliced phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time-slicing mechanism as an intermediary between the host device and the deterministic network link. This intermediary layer manages the transition between non-deterministic and deterministic phases, allocating specific time slots for deterministic data transmission while allowing other operations to proceed independently, thus resolving the contradiction between compatibility and determinism.
2Manufacturing precision
If latency correction is applied to synchronize packet transmission, then precise timing is achieved, but additional processing complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by measuring and characterizing the latency of the non-deterministic network link in advance. This pre-characterization allows the time-slicing mechanism to calculate appropriate time offsets before actual data transmission begins, eliminating the need for complex real-time latency compensation and reducing processing complexity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The time-slicing mechanism automatically manages its own timing and synchronization without external intervention. The host device and network interface circuit autonomously handle the transition between phases and adjust timing parameters based on pre-measured characteristics, eliminating the need for complex external control systems or manual configuration.
3Reliability
If deterministic time slicing is implemented, then packet loss is minimized, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing deterministic time-slicing only at specific critical points in the network path (at the network interface circuit) rather than throughout the entire network infrastructure. This localized approach provides packet loss protection where needed while leaving the rest of the network simple and unchanged, thus minimizing infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deterministic transmission functionality is extracted as a separate time-sliced phase from the general network communication process. This extraction allows the deterministic mechanism to operate independently without requiring modification of existing network infrastructure, as the time-slicing is implemented at the interface level rather than requiring changes to core network devices.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method comprises establishing, by a deterministic device interface circuit, a deterministic link with a peer deterministic interface circuit within a deterministic data network based on identifying a repeating deterministic schedule for transmitting each data packet, allocated to the deterministic schedule, at a corresponding transmission instance coinciding with a reception instance by the peer deterministic interface circuit; determining a latency between sending a request for data to a host device via a non-deterministic data link provided by a network switch, and receiving from the host device a transport layer packet responsive to the request; and sending an instruction to the host device for initiating transfer of the transport layer packet, the instruction correcting for the latency and enabling the deterministic device interface circuit to receive the transport layer packet for transmission of a corresponding data packet on the deterministic link at the corresponding transmission instance.