Multicast Switching System with Grouped Middle-Stage Fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Clos-type multicast networks are inefficient in minimizing the number of middle-stage switches for non-blocking multicast and require significant path switching time, leading to increased costs and network size.
Innovation Solution
A non-blocking multicast switching system using multi-source switch elements in a three-stage Clos-type network, where switch elements at different stages have multiplicity d equivalent to d logical links, allowing for separate path setting at the input and middle stages, and conditional equations to ensure non-blocking delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional Clos-type multicast networks are used, then non-blocking multicast transmission is achieved, but the number of middle-stage switches increases and path switching time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent groups middle-stage switches into multiple groups where each group handles specific multicast streams. By segmenting the middle-stage switching fabric into specialized groups, the system achieves non-blocking multicast transmission for each group while reducing the total number of middle-stage switches required compared to a monolithic Clos network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional organization by arranging middle-stage switches in multiple groups with specific connectivity patterns between input, middle, and output stages. This multi-dimensional switching fabric allows non-blocking multicast operation with fewer switches by exploiting the additional spatial dimension in the network topology.
2Productivity
If conventional Clos-type multicast networks are used, then non-blocking multicast transmission is achieved, but path switching time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes multicast paths through the grouped middle-stage switches before actual data transmission begins. By performing path setup in advance and maintaining persistent connections through the switching fabric, the system eliminates dynamic path computation and switching delays during active multicast operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic group formation and path selection mechanisms that adapt to changing multicast demands. The system can dynamically reconfigure which middle-stage switch groups handle which multicast streams, optimizing path selection and minimizing switching time as network conditions change.
3Device complexity
If the number of middle-stage switches is reduced, then device complexity decreases, but non-blocking multicast capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different functional characteristics to different middle-stage switch groups, where each group is optimized for specific multicast streaming patterns. This local specialization allows the system to maintain non-blocking capability for diverse multicast workloads while using fewer total switches, as each group handles its designated streams efficiently without requiring full cross-connectivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multicast switching system with an input stage, a middle stage, and an output stage, including a plurality of input switch elements (201, 202 and 203, and 401, 402, and 403) of receiving/transmitting streams from input sources/to the middle stage, a plurality of middle switch elements (211, 212 and 213, and 411, 412, 421 and 422) of receiving/transmitting streams from the input switch elements/to the output stage, the plurality of middle switch elements being grouped into a plurality of groups (410 and 420) and a plurality of output switch elements (221, 222 and 223, and 431, 432 and 433) of receiving/outputting streams from the middle switch elements /to output destinations, wherein the input switch elements transmit the streams to each of the plurality of groups.