Network Synchronization for Low Latency Packet Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packet switching networks face challenges in minimizing end-to-end latency due to asynchronous operations among devices, leading to increased queueing times as packets wait for transmission opportunities across multiple switches.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for synchronizing packet transmission across multiple switches by measuring and reporting transmission delays, using Minimum Spanning Trees to determine Scheduling Offsets and Residual Delays, and adjusting queue scheduling sequences to minimize total queue delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous transmission is used in packet switching networks, then device independence and flexibility are maintained, but queueing time and end-to-end latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into synchronization domains with designated master devices that coordinate transmission within each domain. This allows local synchronization to reduce queueing delays while maintaining overall network flexibility and device independence through the modular domain structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Devices transmit periodic synchronization messages (such as PTP protocol messages) at regular intervals to maintain synchronized timing across the network. This periodic action enables coordinated queue emptying and transmission scheduling, reducing packet waiting time while preserving asynchronous operation between synchronization cycles.
2Loss of time
If transmission synchronization is implemented across all devices, then queueing time is minimized, but system complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of global synchronization across all devices, the patent implements local synchronization within transmission domains where each domain has its own master device. This local approach minimizes end-to-end latency for packets within domains while reducing overall system complexity by limiting synchronization coordination to smaller, manageable groups rather than the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
Devices perform preliminary synchronization actions by exchanging timing messages and calculating offset values before actual packet transmission. This preliminary coordination establishes transmission schedules and queue emptying times in advance, minimizing real-time queueing delays without requiring complex continuous coordination during data transmission.
3Productivity
If queue scheduling sequences are adjusted for synchronization, then packet transmission efficiency improves, but scheduling flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The queue scheduling sequences are made dynamic rather than static, allowing devices to adjust transmission timing and queue emptying schedules based on real-time network conditions, traffic patterns, and synchronization requirements. This dynamic approach maintains high transmission efficiency through coordinated scheduling while preserving flexibility to adapt to changing network demands and priorities.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for network level synchronization of low latency packet transmission in a packet transmission network, to minimize end-to-end latency of packets in the network.