Network Switch Voter Elements Crosscheck Data Copies
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-integrity network applications face challenges with data corruption detection due to increased hardware cost and operational complexity from using multiple parallel processing paths, which can result in time offsets and mismatched outputs.
Innovation Solution
A network switch device with consolidated parallel paths and voter elements that crosscheck data copies early in the processing stage, reducing complexity and cost by performing checks on data integrity parameters like timestamps and CRC, and selectively forwarding valid data through a single processing section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple parallel processing paths are used to detect data corruption, then data integrity is improved, but hardware cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data processing function into multiple parallel paths, where each path independently processes copies of the same data. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability through redundant processing while keeping each individual path relatively simple, thus managing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple parallel processing paths with a single processing section that consolidates their outputs. By merging the results from parallel paths through voter elements and a single processing section, the system achieves high data integrity without requiring each path to be fully independent and complex.
2Reliability
If multiple parallel processing paths are used to detect data corruption, then data integrity is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces voter elements as intermediary components that automatically compare outputs from multiple parallel paths and select the correct result. This intermediary mechanism handles the complexity of coordinating multiple paths, making the system easier to operate while maintaining high data integrity through automated crosschecking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where voter elements continuously monitor and compare outputs from parallel paths, using the results to determine which path produced valid output. This feedback loop automatically resolves conflicts between parallel paths without requiring complex manual intervention, reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple parallel processing paths operate in parallel, then data corruption detection capability is improved, but time offsets and mismatched outputs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary actions by having parallel paths process identical data copies simultaneously from the same input point, ensuring they start at the same time. This preliminary synchronization prevents time offsets from accumulating, allowing the system to maintain both high detection capability and temporal alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The voter elements act as intermediaries that receive and synchronize outputs from parallel paths before further processing. This intermediary synchronization point resolves any minor timing differences that may have occurred during parallel processing, eliminating mismatched outputs while preserving the benefits of parallel corruption detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A network switch includes a receive port configured to receive data and two or more parallel first paths each configured to receive a first copy of the data, perform a check on the first copy, and generate a protection for the first copy. One or more first voter elements are configured to receive second copies of the data and to crosscheck the second copies. A processing section is configured to process one or more of the second copies. Two or more parallel second paths are each configured to receive a third copy of the data and perform multiple checks on the third copy including a check based on the protection. One or more second voter elements are configured to receive fourth copies of the data and to crosscheck the fourth copies. A send port is configured to send one or more of the fourth copies to a next network element.