Flexible MAC Group Interconnects for Dynamic PFE Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forwarding planes in routers and switches lack flexibility in allocating packet forwarding engines (PFEs) to Ethernet MAC groups, restricting the ability to configure different numbers of Ethernet ports and speeds per PFE, which is desired by network operators for various roles such as access, core, and edge aggregation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where Ethernet MAC groups can be configured dynamically to associate with multiple PFEs, allowing flexible allocation of PFEs based on the number of interface descriptors and port speeds, using configurable interconnect data links between EMG modules and PFEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PFEs are statically allocated to Ethernet MAC groups, then device complexity is reduced and stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic allocation of PFEs to Ethernet MAC groups through configurable interconnect data links. The system allows PFEs to be reassigned to different EMG modules based on operational requirements, transitioning from static to dynamic resource allocation. This enables network operators to configure different numbers of Ethernet ports and speeds per PFE according to specific roles (access, core, edge aggregation) while maintaining system stability through controlled configuration changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PFEs are configured for specific roles with fixed port configurations, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal PFE allocation framework where interconnect data links can be configured to connect any PFE to any EMG module. This multi-functional interconnect structure allows the same hardware resources to serve multiple roles (access, core, edge aggregation) with different port configurations. The configurable nature of the interconnect data links provides versatility while maintaining ease of operation through standardized configuration interfaces.
3Productivity
If Ethernet MAC resources are dedicated to specific PFEs, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously dedicated PFE-to-EMG connections into a shared, configurable interconnect fabric. Multiple PFEs can now access multiple EMG modules through the configurable interconnect data links, creating a pooled resource architecture. This merging increases utilization efficiency by allowing dynamic resource sharing while maintaining reliability through redundant connection paths and stable interconnect infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A data forwarding device includes a plurality of Ethernet MAC group (EMG) modules, each servicing a group of one or more Ethernet ports, a plurality of packet forwarding engines (PFEs), each configured adapted to process packets received from one or more of the EMG modules, and a set of configurable interconnect data links between at least one of the EMGs and at least one of the PFEs. A configuration input for configuring the set of configurable interconnect data links is received (e.g., from user interface), and applied such that a set of one or more PFEs receives packets from a set of one or more EMG modules, via one or more of the configurable interconnect data links, in accordance with the configuration input received.