Flexible Network Routing Apparatus Engine Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network routing apparatuses face challenges in configuring transfer engines and search engines for single-to-multiple, multiple-to-single, or multiple-to-multiple connections, which limits flexibility, increases costs due to the need for specific LSIs, and results in high expenses for expensive search engines.
Innovation Solution
A network routing apparatus with routing units that allow for flexible connection configurations between transfer engines and search engines, enabling single-to-multiple, multiple-to-single, or multiple-to-multiple connections, and efficient packet header and route information exchange using a crossbar switch and LSIs connected via data buses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transfer engines and search engines are fixedly connected at 1:1 rate, then the configuration is simple and costs are controlled, but flexibility is limited and reliability cannot be improved by duplexing search engines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability in the connection structure between transfer engines and search engines. The system can be configured in multiple modes (1:1, 1:N, N:1, N:N) depending on operational requirements, allowing the architecture to adapt from simple fixed connections to flexible dynamic configurations without requiring separate hardware designs for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal connection framework that can serve multiple functions through a single architectural design. The same engine connection structure supports duplexing for reliability, scaling for capacity, and various routing configurations, eliminating the need for different specialized hardware designs for different operational scenarios.
2Reliability
If search engines are duplexed to improve reliability, then reliability is improved, but the 1:1 connection configuration requires corresponding transfer engine duplexing and line duplexing, increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection relationship between transfer engines and search engines, allowing independent configuration of each engine type. This segmentation enables search engines to be duplexed for reliability while transfer engines maintain their original configuration, as the connection framework supports asymmetric configurations where the number of transfer engines does not need to match the number of search engines.
3Productivity
If the number of transfer engines is increased for increased ports, then port capacity is improved, but the number of search engines must also be increased at 1:1 connection, increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transfer engines to share a smaller number of search engines through configurations like 1:N or N:1. This consolidation allows the system to handle increased port capacity by adding transfer engines while reusing existing search engine resources, thereby avoiding the need to proportionally increase the number of expensive search engines.
4Adaptability or versatility
If specific LSIs are developed for different connection configurations, then connection flexibility is achieved, but development costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal LSI design that can operate in multiple connection modes (1:1, 1:N, N:1, N:N) through software or configuration control rather than requiring different hardware designs. This universal approach allows a single LSI fabrication process to support all connection configurations, eliminating the need for separate LSI development cycles for each mode.
Data Source
AI summary
Each routing unit of the network routing apparatus includes: one or a plurality of transfer means each for extracting a packet header of a packet received from a line, and one or a plurality of search means each for extracting output destination information using the packet header received from each transfer means; wherein, in each routing unit, one search means is connected to one transfer means, or a plurality of transfer means are connected to one search means, or a plurality of search means are connected to one transfer means, or a plurality of search means and a plurality of transfer means are connected to one another.