Network Apparatus Packet Processing Pin Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network apparatuses face challenges in accommodating various line speeds with a smaller physical size and flexible connection, particularly in enabling vertical connections of network interfaces with sufficient transmission signal pins, especially when using high-capacity interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A network apparatus with a packet processing unit having four connectors for coupling with network interfaces, a packet processing circuit for input and output of packets, and a path control unit that allocates transmission signal pins based on the type of connected interface, allowing efficient management and allocation of pins across connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network interfaces are connected in one direction, then flexible accommodation is achieved, but transmission signal pins become insufficient when using high-capacity interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from connecting network interfaces in only one direction to enabling connections in both horizontal and vertical directions. This dimensional expansion allows the packet processing unit to accommodate multiple interfaces without exhausting the available transmission signal pins, as interfaces can be distributed across different spatial dimensions rather than competing for the same linear connection resources.
2Speed
If a network interface with large line capacity is used, then transmission speed increases, but the number of available transmission signal pins decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection architecture into multiple independent connectors ( Connector 0, Connector 1, Connector 2, Connector 3) that can be independently allocated to different network interfaces. This segmentation allows high-capacity interfaces requiring more pins to be distributed across multiple connectors rather than concentrating all pin requirements on a single connector, thereby maintaining sufficient pin availability while supporting high-speed transmissions.
3Area of stationary object
If network interfaces are accommodated in a compact form factor, then physical size decreases, but connection flexibility and pin allocation become more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vertical connector arrangements in addition to horizontal connections, utilizing the vertical dimension within the compact packet processing unit. This three-dimensional connector layout maximizes the use of available space while maintaining multiple connection paths and directions, thereby preserving connection flexibility and pin allocation options despite the reduced physical footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
There is a need for a network interface supporting various line speeds to have a smaller size and provide more flexible accommodation than the related art. In the present invention, provided is a communication device including a transfer processing unit which has four connectors capable of coupling with network interface units to be accommodated in one slot, and a packet processing circuit configured to process a packet input from the network interface via any one of the connectors and output the packet toward the network interface unit to be coupled with the connector, and a path control unit configured to manage a path between the packet processing circuit and the connector.