Network Device Port Aggregation with Shared Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network devices lack efficient configurations to operate at varying speeds and modes, leading to suboptimal performance in handling network communications, particularly in cloud computing environments where flexible and high-speed data transfer is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A network device with multiple ports that can operate in two modes: as a single port at a first speed or as independent ports at a second speed, utilizing shared memory and error correction modules to manage and correct data across these modes, enabling efficient data processing and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple ports are configured to operate as independent ports at high speed, then data transfer speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple port operations into shared functional blocks including a common error correction code module, shared memory device, and receive port selector. This consolidation allows multiple ports to operate independently at high speeds while sharing common processing resources, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high data transfer speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal components that serve multiple ports simultaneously. The error correction code module, shared memory device, and receive port selector are designed as multi-functional elements that can handle operations for any of the multiple ports, reducing the need for dedicated components for each port and thereby simplifying the device architecture
2Device complexity
If multiple ports are configured as a single port to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different network modes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability where the network device can switch between operating modes (single port mode and multiple independent ports mode) based on network conditions. The receive port selector and shared memory device are designed to adapt their operation dynamically, allowing the same hardware architecture to serve both low-complexity and high-adaptability requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universal components that can operate in multiple configurations. The error correction code module, shared memory device, and receive port selector are designed to function whether ports are aggregated or independent, providing operational mode flexibility without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each mode
3Device complexity
If shared memory and error correction modules are used, then device complexity is reduced, but data processing speed may be worsened due to sharing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous data processing through the shared memory device and error correction code module by implementing efficient data flow management. The receive port selector continuously directs data to the shared memory device, and the error correction code module continuously processes data, ensuring that the shared resources do not become bottlenecks and maintaining high data processing speed despite resource sharing
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for network devices is provided. In one aspect, a network device includes a plurality of ports, where the plurality of ports are configured to operate in a first operating mode as a single port at a first speed and in a second operating mode where each of the plurality of ports operate as an independent port at a second operating speed; a shared memory device for staging information received from a network for the plurality of ports operating in the first operating mode and the second operating mode; a receive port selector that selects information from the shared memory device when the plurality of ports are operating in the second operating mode; and a shared error correction code module for decoding and performing error correction on information received via the network for the first operating mode and the second operating mode.