Commodity NIC TDMA Synchronization via Software Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Time-Division-Multiplexing (TDM) and Time-Division-Multiple-Access (TDMA) communication systems require precise synchronization between endpoints, which is often achieved using expensive and inflexible specialized circuitry, limiting their applicability in cost-effective and flexible network implementations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating network elements with network time circuitry and packet processing capabilities that track network time, allowing for synchronized timeslot-based communication, including the use of Precision Time Protocol (PTP) for accurate timing and packet steering, enabling efficient communication in TDM and TDMA networks without the need for expensive specialized hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specialized circuitry is used for precise synchronization in TDM/TDMA networks, then synchronization precision is improved, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidcircuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses software-based timing logic that copies the functionality of specialized synchronization circuitry into general-purpose network interface cards. The packet processing circuitry implements TDM/TDMA timing behavior through programmable logic, allowing standard NICs to replicate the synchronization functions previously requiring dedicated hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of commodity NICs by configuring them with specific TDM/TDMA timing parameters through software. By adjusting timing parameters, timeslot allocations, and synchronization settings in firmware or software, the system achieves precise synchronization without requiring hardware redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If specialized circuitry is used for TDM/TDMA synchronization, then synchronization precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidimplementation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes commodity network interface cards universal by enabling them to handle multiple protocols and modes including TDM, TDMA, Ethernet, and other packet-switched protocols. The packet processing circuitry can be dynamically configured to operate in different modes, allowing a single hardware design to serve multiple functions without requiring specialized circuitry for each protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive specialized synchronization hardware with inexpensive commodity network interface cards. By using off-the-shelf NICs that can be software-configured for TDM/TDMA operation, the system achieves the same functionality at lower cost with easier availability and simpler deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If timeslot-based packet transmission is implemented, then network synchronization is improved, but packet processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork synchronizationVSAvoidpacket processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packet processing circuitry is designed to autonomously handle timeslot-based packet transmission without requiring complex external control. The NIC automatically tracks network time, determines appropriate timeslots for transmission, queues packets accordingly, and manages credit-based flow control, reducing the processing burden on host systems while maintaining precise synchronization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If commodity NICs are used instead of specialized circuitry, then cost and flexibility are improved, but synchronization precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation flexibilityVSAvoidsynchronization precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical specialized circuitry with a software-based timing and packet processing system. By using software firmware running on the NIC's processing units, the system achieves precise timing control through programmable logic that can be adjusted and updated without hardware changes, maintaining synchronization precision while improving flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11476928B2TDMA networking using commodity NIC/switch

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 MELLANOX TECHNOLOGIES LTD(IL)

AI summary

A network element one or more network ports, network time circuitry and packet processing circuitry. The network ports are configured to communicate with a communication network. The network time circuitry is configured to track a network time defined in the communication network. In some embodiments the packet processing circuitry is configured to receive a definition of one or more timeslots that are synchronized to the network time, and to send outbound packets to the communication network depending on the timeslots. In some embodiments the packet processing circuitry is configured to process inbound packets, which are received from the communication network, depending on the timeslots.