Network Element Shared Input Buffer Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network switches face inefficiencies due to unbalanced fill status of input buffers, leading to potential overflow and reduced throughput, as some buffers fill at different rates while others remain underutilized.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that evaluate conditions related to port fill status and interface utilization to move data packets from full input buffers to underutilized ones, balancing load and updating output queue entries to reflect new locations, thereby selecting output ports and sharing storage among input buffers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each port has its own dedicated input buffer, then packet buffering is simple and direct, but buffer overflow occurs more easily when some ports receive high traffic volume while others remain underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated input buffers into a shared buffer pool that can be dynamically allocated to any port. This allows traffic from any port to be buffered in any available buffer, distributing the load across all buffers and preventing overflow at any single port while maintaining high throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic buffer allocation where buffers can be reassigned between ports based on real-time traffic conditions. The system dynamically tracks buffer fill status and interface utilization to make intelligent buffer allocation decisions, adapting to changing traffic patterns to prevent overflow while maximizing throughput.
2Productivity
If buffers are shared among multiple ports, then buffer utilization is improved and overflow is reduced, but the complexity of managing buffer allocation and tracking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service buffer management where the system automatically monitors buffer fill status and interface utilization metrics, making intelligent allocation decisions without external intervention. The control mechanism autonomously tracks which buffers are available and assigns them to appropriate ports based on real-time conditions, reducing manual management complexity while maintaining high utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors buffer fill status and interface utilization metrics, using this information to dynamically adjust buffer allocation decisions. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to adapt to changing traffic patterns and prevent overflow while optimizing throughput, managing complexity through automated adaptive control.
3Productivity
If data packets are moved between input buffers to balance load, then buffer overflow is prevented and throughput is improved, but additional processing steps are required to track and update packet locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal output queue structure that can store packets from any input buffer, regardless of their original source. This multi-functional output queue system handles packets uniformly whether they come from dedicated buffers or shared buffers, simplifying the tracking and forwarding process while maintaining high throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces output queues as intermediary structures between input buffers and the switching fabric. These output queues act as mediators that receive packets from any input buffer, manage their forwarding, and decouple the complexity of packet tracking in shared buffers from the forwarding process, simplifying overall system management while maintaining throughput.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system continuously monitors buffer fill status and interface utilization, then intelligent buffer allocation is enabled, but processing overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary monitoring and assessment of buffer fill status and interface utilization metrics continuously, so that when buffer allocation decisions are needed, the information is already ready. This advance preparation allows for rapid, informed buffer allocation decisions without requiring complex real-time calculations, reducing processing latency while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors and tracks buffer status and interface utilization metrics, maintaining sufficient information to make intelligent allocation decisions without requiring complete real-time analysis of every possible scenario. This partial monitoring approach provides enough data for effective buffer management while minimizing processing overhead and latency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communication, in a network element that includes multiple ports, includes buffering data packets entering the network element via the ports in input buffers that are respectively associated with the ports. Storage of the data packets is shared among the input buffers by evaluating a condition related to the ports, and, when the condition is met, moving at least one data packet from a first input buffer of a first port to a second input buffer of a second port, different from the first port. Respective output ports, via which the buffered data packets are to exit the network element, are selected from among the ports. The buffered data packets are forwarded to the selected output ports.