Network Interface Device Dynamic Configuration via Control Packets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Network interface devices lack efficient dynamic configuration capabilities to adapt to changing data processing requirements, leading to suboptimal performance and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A network interface device with a control component that provides control messages to configure and reconfigure multiple components to process data flows, allowing for dynamic allocation of resources and data paths, including the creation of interconnect resources and injection of control packets for status updates and policy changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network interface devices are provided with more processing capabilities and components, then the adaptability and processing capacity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of data processing pipelines by injecting control packets that can modify component behavior at runtime. The system transitions from static to dynamic component configuration, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different processing requirements without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal data processing pipelines where components can be dynamically assigned to different functions based on control packet instructions. A single component can serve multiple roles (e.g., packet classification, filtering, forwarding) depending on the pipeline configuration, reducing the need for dedicated hardware for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control messages are injected into data flow to reconfigure components, then the adaptability is improved, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous data processing by injecting control packets into the data flow without stopping the pipeline. Control messages are interleaved with data packets, allowing configuration changes to take effect seamlessly while processing continues uninterrupted, minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control packets as intermediary elements that carry configuration instructions within the existing data flow. These control packets act as mediators between the control plane and data plane, enabling reconfiguration without requiring separate control channels or interrupting data processing.
3Productivity
If multiple components are allocated to process different data flows, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity and resource management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where components report their status and performance metrics through control packets. This feedback enables dynamic resource allocation and load balancing, allowing the system to automatically adjust component utilization based on actual processing demands and performance feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables components to self-configure and self-manage based on control packet instructions. Components can autonomously adjust their behavior, allocate their own resources, and coordinate with other components without centralized control, reducing the complexity of resource management while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A network interface device comprises a plurality of components configured to process a flow of data one after another. A control component is configured to provide one or more control messages in said flow, said one or more control message being provided to said plurality of components one after another such that a configuration of one or more of said components is changed.