Higher Layer Packet Scheduling to Reduce Circuit Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telecommunication or computing systems, the complexity and cost of hardware increase due to the need for shifting and realignment of packets by lower layers, which also results in increased power consumption, as lower layers introduce and realign packets from higher layers, causing backpressure and complexity in circuit design.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where higher layers schedule and align packets using a request-response protocol to minimize shifting and realignment at lower layers, by inserting gaps or idle cycles in the data stream upon request from lower layers, thereby reducing the need for re-alignment and backpressure, and utilizing a scheduling module to identify locations and times for packet insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lower layers introduce packets and apply backpressure to higher layers, then packet multiplexing is achieved, but the complexity of the circuit increases requiring more hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The higher layer performs preliminary scheduling of packets before transmission to the lower layer. The scheduling module determines in advance the timing and positioning of packets in the data stream, allowing lower layers to simply insert control packets at predetermined locations without complex shifting or realignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A scheduling module is introduced as an intermediary component in the higher layer that mediates between packet generation and transmission. This module creates a structured data stream with predetermined insertion points, serving as an intermediary framework that simplifies the operations required by lower layers.
2Manufacturing precision
If packets are shifted and realigned at lower layers to account for newly introduced packets, then proper packet positioning is achieved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The higher layer scheduling module performs preliminary positioning of data packets by determining their exact locations in the data stream before transmission. This preliminary action eliminates the need for lower layers to perform complex shifting and realignment operations to achieve proper packet positioning.
3Productivity
If data packets to be processed in every processing cycle increases, then data throughput is improved, but the complexity of the circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data stream is segmented into structured segments with predetermined characteristics. The scheduling module divides the data flow into manageable units with defined insertion points for control packets, allowing lower layers to process multiple packets efficiently without increasing circuit complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If shifting and realignment operations are performed at lower layers, then packet alignment is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Packet alignment is established in advance by the higher layer scheduling module, which determines the precise positioning of packets before transmission. This preliminary alignment action eliminates the need for power-consuming shifting and realignment operations at the lower layers.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed are directed to methods for scheduling packets. According to example embodiments the method includes receiving, using a first layer in a communication protocol, a first request from a second layer in the communication protocol. The first request indicates to the first layer to output a data stream that includes a first location for the second layer to include a first control packet. The first layer is at a higher level of abstraction than the second layer. The method further includes transmitting, using the first layer, a first response to the second layer. The first response is based on the first request, and the first response identifies the first location in the data stream and a time of occurrence of the first location in the data stream.