Packet Re-transmission Controller Using Pointer Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing block acknowledgement processors, the packet buffer remains occupied with previously sent packets until missing packets from a previous block are acknowledged, leading to resource inefficiency and the need for re-encryption of packets during retransmission, which is computationally intensive.
Innovation Solution
A re-transmit processor using pointers to manage packet delivery from host memory to a MAC, allowing unacknowledged packets to be retransmitted directly from a block buffer, reducing the need for retransfer from host memory and re-encryption, and optimizing resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packets are stored in packet buffer and retransmitted from host memory, then packet retransmission can be achieved, but the packet buffer remains occupied and re-encryption is required increasing computational load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet buffer into two distinct regions: a first packet buffer for storing packets to be transmitted and a second packet buffer for storing unacknowledged packets awaiting retransmission. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable retransmission capability while reducing buffer occupancy complexity by clearly separating packet storage functions and enabling independent management of each buffer region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing pointer memory structures and buffer regions before packet transmission begins. The pointer memory is initialized to track packet locations, and the dual buffer structure is prepared in advance. This allows packets to be directly retransmitted from the second buffer without requiring re-encryption or re-transfer from host memory, thereby reducing computational load while maintaining retransmission reliability.
2Reliability
If packets remain in packet buffer until acknowledged, then retransmission can be managed, but the buffer is unavailable for new packets reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the packet buffer into a first packet buffer for new packets and a second packet buffer for unacknowledged packets. This segmentation enables the first buffer to remain available for new packet storage while the second buffer manages retransmission requirements, thereby maintaining buffer productivity without compromising acknowledgement management reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pointer memory as an intermediary structure that tracks packet locations and status across the dual buffer system. The pointer memory acts as a mediator between the first and second buffers, enabling efficient packet management and buffer availability without requiring continuous monitoring of all packet states, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
3Reliability
If re-encryption is performed during retransmission, then packet security is maintained, but computational resources are consumed increasing processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-positioning packets in the second packet buffer with their encryption already applied during the initial transmission phase. The pointer memory structure is also prepared in advance to track which packets require retransmission. This allows packets to be directly retransmitted from the second buffer without requiring re-encryption, thereby maintaining security while significantly reducing retransmission processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the packet data structure in the second packet buffer during the initial transmission, preserving the encrypted packet contents. This copy allows for rapid retransmission without requiring re-encryption operations, as the encrypted packet data is already available in the second buffer, thus maintaining security while reducing computational resources and processing time during retransmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A re-transmit processor for a wireless communication system includes a pointer memory which contains pointers associated with particular packet data in a host memory. The re-transmit processor directs data associated with the pointers to be applied to a media access controller, which optionally contains an encryption function, the output of which is coupled to a block buffer and to an output interface. Upon receipt of a transmission request, the host memory locations associated with the pointers are read and the data directed to the media access controller, which adds a header, a CRC, and optionally encrypts the data, thereafter placing it in the block buffer and the output interface. Upon provision of the packet data to the MAC, the associated pointer is initialized to a FREE or UNUSED value, and upon receipt of an acknowledgement of the packet accompanied by a packet identifier from a receiving station, the packet associated with the packet identifier is removed from the block buffer.