Network Device Internal Endpoint Port Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network devices face challenges in efficiently managing multiple internal endpoints with different bandwidth requirements in time-sensitive networking (TSN) systems, leading to increased costs and latency, as they require multiple ports and complex communication protocols.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit (IC) with a network device that includes multiple internal endpoint ports, utilizing a multi-channel direct memory access (DMA) controller and content addressable memory (CAM) for efficient frame forwarding and lookup, allowing a single internal endpoint port to support multiple endpoints, reducing the need for multiple ports and simplifying communication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple internal endpoint ports are used to support multiple endpoints with different bandwidth requirements, then the network device can handle diverse traffic priorities and bandwidth needs, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle diverse traffic priorities and bandwidth needsVSAvoidnumber of ports and communication protocols

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single internal endpoint port that can serve multiple endpoints through virtualization. The network device uses a unified communication interface that supports multiple logical endpoints, allowing diverse traffic priorities and bandwidth requirements to be handled through configuration rather than physical separation. This multi-functional approach maintains adaptability while reducing port complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the logical endpoint functionality from the physical port structure. By dividing the single internal endpoint port into multiple virtual endpoints with distinct traffic handling policies, the system achieves the functionality of multiple ports without the physical complexity. Each virtual endpoint can be configured with specific bandwidth and priority parameters independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If multiple ports are used for each internal endpoint in time-sensitive networking systems, then latency requirements can be met, but the cost and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatency for time-sensitive applicationsVSAvoidstructural complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous prioritized forwarding within the network device using a single internal endpoint port. By maintaining always-active prioritized queues and direct memory access paths for time-sensitive traffic, the system achieves low latency without requiring multiple physical ports. The continuous forwarding mechanism ensures time-critical packets are handled efficiently through software-defined priority levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If a single internal endpoint port is used to support multiple endpoints, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but challenges arise in managing different bandwidth requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of ports requiredVSAvoidmanagement of different bandwidth requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation through software configuration. The single internal endpoint port can dynamically adjust resource allocation to different virtual endpoints based on traffic demands and priority levels. This dynamic management allows flexible bandwidth control without physical reconfiguration, making operation easier through programmable parameters rather than fixed hardware assignments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter-based configuration to manage bandwidth requirements. By changing software parameters such as priority levels, bandwidth thresholds, and queue weights, the system can accommodate different endpoint requirements without structural changes. This parameter-driven approach simplifies operation compared to hardware-based management, allowing rapid adaptation to different traffic patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11159445B1Systems and methods for extending internal endpoints of a network device

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 XILINX INC

AI summary

An integrated circuit (IC) device includes a network device. The network device includes first and second network ports each configured to connect to a network, and an internal endpoint port configured to connect to first endpoint having a first processing unit and second endpoint having a second processing unit. A lookup circuit is configured to provide a first forwarding decision for a first frame to be forwarded to the first endpoint. An endpoint extension circuit is configured to determine a first memory channel based on the first forwarding decision for forwarding the first frame, and forward the first frame to the first endpoint using the determined memory channel.