Network-Integrated Cache in Core Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for caching large files and data objects in networking devices lead to impaired network performance due to the need for multiple user requests to pass through a network interface, resulting in slow access and unsatisfactory user experiences, especially when handling high-resolution multimedia and large data sets.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network-integrated cache system with a network core switch and memory nodes that store data in cache memory, allowing user requests to be serviced directly without passing through a network interface, and enabling high data transfer rates by preloading or caching data close to clients, thus reducing network congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If file storage medium is connected to networking devices through traditional networking methods, then large files and data objects can be stored, but network performance degrades due to requests passing through network interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the file storage medium from the traditional networked file storage architecture and integrates it directly into the networking device (switch). This allows the storage to be accessed by multiple users simultaneously without each request needing to traverse the network interface, thereby maintaining network performance while providing large storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the file storage medium with the networking device by integrating it into the switch's address resolution table. This combination allows the switch to directly service file access requests without involving external network file storage systems, eliminating network interface bottlenecks while preserving storage functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If cache box is used to store large files, then memory capacity enables storage of large files, but access speed decreases due to network interface bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the switch itself as an intermediary between users and the file storage medium. The switch integrates the storage and can directly service requests from multiple users simultaneously without requiring requests to pass through a network interface, thus maintaining high access speeds while utilizing large memory capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users access content through network interface, then content can be shared, but network performance deteriorates as number of users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the switch multi-functional by integrating file storage capability directly into the networking device. The switch can simultaneously perform its traditional networking function and serve as a file storage system accessible by multiple users, eliminating the need for separate network file storage infrastructure and avoiding network interface bottlenecks.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a switch in the form of a network core switch includes one or more card slots. A cache memory device is also included that is configured to be received in one of the card slots. The switch further includes one or more storage node connection ports in communication with the cache memory device, and also includes one or more client communication ports in communication with the cache memory device.