Packet Switch Payload-Based Routing via Trace Buffer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet-based communication systems are limited in routing data packets due to the constraints of packet header size and format, which restrict the use of additional information for efficient routing.
Innovation Solution
A packet switch that routes data packets based on both packet headers and data payloads, allowing for the selection and routing of packets to both destination and trace ports, with a packet engine identifying ports based on payload content and header information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packet routing is based only on packet headers, then routing is simple and fast, but routing flexibility and precision are limited due to header size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing decision process into two independent stages: first extracting routing information from the packet header to identify a candidate port group, then using a trace buffer to selectively forward packets to specific ports based on payload content. This segmentation allows the system to utilize payload data for routing without requiring the entire routing logic to process both header and payload simultaneously, thus improving routing flexibility while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The trace buffer acts as an intermediary component between the packet engine and the output ports. It receives packets from the packet engine, stores them temporarily, and then selectively forwards them to destination ports based on payload content matching. This intermediary mechanism enables payload-based routing without requiring direct integration of payload analysis into the primary routing logic, thereby enhancing versatility while containing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If packet routing uses additional information in packet headers, then routing precision improves, but packet header size limits the amount of additional information available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional routing information (only in packet headers) to three-dimensional routing by adding the packet payload as a new dimension. The trace buffer extracts routing information from both the packet header and the payload content, effectively utilizing vertical space (payload) rather than being constrained solely to horizontal space (header). This dimensional expansion allows significantly more routing information to be available without increasing header size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If packet switch routes packets based on payload content, then routing capabilities are enhanced, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packet engine performs preliminary routing based on packet header information before the trace buffer performs payload-based selection. This preliminary action narrows down the candidate ports to a small group, reducing the scope of subsequent payload-based filtering. By performing this preliminary routing step first, the system avoids the need to analyze payload content against all possible destination ports, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining enhanced routing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A packet switch routes data packets based on both packet headers and data payloads in the data packets. The packet switch receives data packets, identifies a destination port of the packet switch for each data packet based on a packet header of the data packet, and routes the data packet to the destination port. Additionally, the packet switch selects data packets among the data packets received by the packet switch based on the data payloads of the received data packets, identifies a trace port of the packet switch for each selected data packet, and routes the selected data packet to the trace port.