Network Endpoint Circular Array for Switch Saturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Networked systems often experience switch saturation when multiple endpoints simultaneously transmit data to a single destination, leading to data loss and decreased performance due to the limitations of bandwidth and buffer storage in conventional switches.
Innovation Solution
The endpoints are configured to limit the number of simultaneous message transmissions and are logically arranged in a circular array, allowing each endpoint to transmit data based on its position, with a threshold for request-to-send messages and acknowledgments to manage data flow and prevent switch saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple source endpoints simultaneously transmit data to a single destination endpoint, then the data transmission capacity increases, but the switch becomes overloaded and experiences saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission process by dividing endpoints into groups and implementing staged transmission rounds. Instead of allowing all endpoints to transmit simultaneously, the system divides them into first and second groups, with first endpoints transmitting in initial rounds and second endpoints transmitting in subsequent rounds. This segmentation prevents switch overload while maintaining high overall transmission capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic transmission rounds where endpoints take turns transmitting data in structured phases. First endpoints transmit during initial rounds, then second endpoints transmit during subsequent rounds. This periodic action pattern regulates the flow of data through the switch, preventing saturation while maximizing utilization of available bandwidth over time.
2Reliability
If buffer storage is increased to handle backed-up messages, then switch saturation is delayed, but messages are still dropped when buffer fills up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having endpoints send request-to-send messages before actually transmitting data. The receiving endpoint responds with an acknowledgment message that grants permission to transmit. This preliminary coordination ensures that data transmission only occurs when the receiving endpoint and switch are ready, preventing buffer overflow and message loss without requiring large buffer storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where receiving endpoints send acknowledgment messages back to transmitting endpoints. This feedback loop provides real-time information about buffer status and transmission readiness, allowing the system to dynamically adjust transmission timing and prevent saturation without requiring excessive buffer capacity.
3Reliability
If conventional TCP/IP retransmission is used to handle lost messages, then message delivery is ensured, but processing speed decreases and performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preventing message loss before it occurs. Through the request-to-send and acknowledgment message mechanism, the system ensures that data transmission only proceeds when the receiving endpoint is ready and the switch has capacity. This proactive prevention eliminates the need for reactive retransmission, maintaining both reliability and high processing speed.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system and method for communicating in a networked system. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a computer system comprising a plurality of endpoints, each of the endpoints being configured to transmit data messages to each of a plurality of other endpoints by transmitting data messages to only a respective subset of endpoints at any given time.