Packet Realignment via Explicit Timing Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data communication systems face timing degradation due to alignment restrictions that force packets to be transmitted on specific lanes, altering their original timing and degrading the packet stream's integrity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that explicitly realigns packets by generating realignment information based on alignment restrictions, allowing the second communications device to regenerate the original packet stream by adjusting the packet position according to the realignment information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If alignment restriction is imposed to simplify internal circuitry, then device complexity is reduced, but timing of packet stream is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment function into two parts: the first communications device performs alignment based on alignment restriction information, while the second communications device performs realignment based on realignment information. This segmentation allows each device to have simplified circuitry while maintaining overall timing integrity through the exchange of alignment and realignment information between devices.
2Device complexity
If alignment restriction is imposed to simplify internal circuitry, then device complexity is reduced, but packet stream integrity is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the first communications device sends alignment information to the second device, and the second device sends realignment information back to the first device. This feedback loop ensures that both devices maintain consistent understanding of packet positioning, thereby preserving packet stream integrity while keeping individual device circuitry simple.
3Loss of time
If explicit realignment information is exchanged to preserve timing, then packet stream timing is maintained, but communication overhead is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the first communications device perform alignment and generate realignment information in advance before packet transmission. This allows the second device to receive pre-calculated realignment information that it can use immediately to restore original timing, reducing the need for complex real-time calculations and minimizing communication overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems to explicitly realign packets are described. The system includes a first communications device that receives a first stream of bytes comprising a first packet and generates realignment information for the first packet based on an alignment restriction. The first communications device further transmits a second stream of bytes over the data path comprising the first packet and the realignment information. The transmitting of the first byte of the first packet over the data path being in accordance with the alignment restriction that is associated with an interface. The realignment information identifies a difference between a time that the first byte of the first packet would have been transmitted by the first communications device without the alignment restriction and a time of transmission of the first byte of the first packet by the first communications device in accordance with the alignment restriction.