Packet Pre-emption via Sync Code Fragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data packet transmission methods over physical links with limited rates suffer from 'jitter' due to blocking, where the transmission of a first packet delays subsequent packets, and fail to meet quality of service requirements for applications like VoIP, as they do not effectively manage priority levels.
Innovation Solution
The method involves fragmenting data packets into code words with sync codes indicating priority levels, allowing high-priority code words to preempt and interrupt low-priority code words, and resume transmission afterwards, using a packet transport layer with service queues and state machines to manage and route packets based on priority.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data packets are transmitted sequentially over a physical link with limited rate, then the transmission structure is simple, but variable delay (jitter) increases and quality of service deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data packets into multiple code words, each carrying a portion of the packet data. This segmentation enables fine-grained control at the code word level, allowing the system to interrupt and resume transmissions efficiently. By breaking packets into smaller transmittable units with individual sync codes, the system can manage multiple priority levels without excessive blocking delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic priority-based pre-emption where the transmission behavior adapts based on the priority level of arriving packets. High-priority packets can dynamically interrupt low-priority transmissions, creating a flexible system that responds to changing traffic conditions. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain simple sequential transmission when needed while enabling interruptible transmission when quality of service requires it.
2Reliability
If high-priority packets are allowed to interrupt low-priority transmissions, then quality of service improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by embedding priority information directly in the sync code of each code word. This allows each code word to be independently identified and prioritized without requiring complex global control mechanisms. The sync code acts as a local identifier that enables simple comparison and pre-emption decisions at the code word level, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining quality of service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares code words with embedded sync codes that indicate priority levels before transmission begins. This preliminary action allows the receiving end to quickly identify and prioritize code words without complex real-time analysis. By pre-marking priority information in the sync code, the system avoids complex runtime decision-making while still enabling effective pre-emption.
3Speed
If packets are fragmented into code words with sync codes, then pre-emption capability improves, but overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a uniform sync code structure for all code words, where the sync code consistently indicates priority level. This homogeneous approach simplifies processing because the same rules apply to every code word regardless of its position or content. The consistent structure allows simple comparison and pre-emption logic without requiring different handling for different packet types or positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates code words as standardized copies with embedded sync codes that replicate priority information. Each code word is a self-contained unit with copied metadata (sync code) that enables independent identification and prioritization. This copying approach simplifies reassembly because the receiving end can reconstruct packets by collecting code words with matching priority indicators without complex matching logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transmitting data packets of at least two different priority levels via one or more bearer channels is described. The method comprises the steps of fragmenting a data packet into a plurality of corresponding code words, each code word comprising a sync code, with the sync code being adapted for indicating a priority level of the corresponding data packet, and of transmitting the code words via the one or more bearer channels. In case high priority code words corresponding to a high priority data packet arrive during transmission of low priority code words corresponding to a low priority data packet, the following steps are performed: interrupting transmission of low priority code words, transmitting the high priority code words corresponding to the high priority data packet, and resuming the transmission of the low priority code words via the one or more bearer channels.


