Multiplexed Data Stream Circuit Architecture for QoS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ethernet protocols face challenges in providing guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) for time division multiplexed (TDM) networks, particularly in meeting stringent jitter and data loss requirements, which limits their implementation in networks like the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an apparatus with an ingress controller and separate switching fabrics for high and low priority data streams, using an overlay synchronous timeslot scheme to multiplex data streams, allowing high priority data to be transported deterministically without buffering and efficiently using bandwidth by reusing idle timeslots for low priority data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Ethernet packets are transported through the network with resource arbitration and buffers at nodes, then data loss and jitter are reduced, but network complexity increases and delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network traffic is segmented into two distinct priority levels: high priority traffic and low priority traffic. High priority traffic receives guaranteed bandwidth and deterministic service, while low priority traffic uses available bandwidth when high priority traffic is not utilizing its allocated resources. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing QoS guarantees for critical traffic without requiring complex arbitration mechanisms for all traffic types.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality of service characteristics are applied to different parts of the traffic flow based on their priority. High priority traffic experiences deterministic latency and guaranteed bandwidth, while low priority traffic experiences best-effort service. This local differentiation of service quality allows the network to meet stringent QoS requirements for specific applications without imposing complexity on the entire network infrastructure.
2Reliability
If resource arbitration and buffers are implemented at nodes, then jitter is reduced, but delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
Bandwidth allocation and priority assignments are predetermined through configuration before traffic enters the network. High priority traffic is pre-assigned guaranteed bandwidth and specific transmission slots, eliminating the need for real-time arbitration and buffering delays. This preliminary setup of resource allocation allows deterministic jitter control without introducing additional delay from dynamic resource management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet is used for data distribution, then flexibility and scalability are improved, but QoS guarantee for TDM networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically multiplexes high priority and low priority traffic within the same Ethernet infrastructure. High priority traffic is transmitted in designated time slots with guaranteed bandwidth, while low priority traffic utilizes remaining capacity. This dynamic resource allocation allows Ethernet to maintain its flexibility and scalability while providing deterministic QoS guarantees for TDM-like applications through priority-based traffic management.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising an ingress controller configured to receive a data frame comprising a high priority data and a low priority data, and an ingress buffer coupled to the ingress controller and configured to buffer the low priority data, wherein the high priority data is not buffered. Also disclosed is a network component, comprising an ingress controller configured to receive a data stream comprising high priority data and low priority data, and an ingress buffer coupled to the ingress controller and configured to receive, buffer, and send the low priority data, and further configured to receive a flow control indication, wherein the ingress buffer varies an amount of the low priority data sent from the ingress buffer in accordance with the flow control indication.