Low Latency Packet Switch Architecture With Timestamp Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center networks face inefficiencies in parsing and processing network packets, leading to high latency and potential underrun errors due to fixed pipeline implementations that do not allow for flexible handling of multiple packet types and timely transmission of packet portions.
Innovation Solution
A system that parses network packets using parallel parsing devices, generates metadata for modifying and forwarding packets, and associates timestamps to determine when it is safe to transmit early portions of packets without causing errors, enabling flexible and high-speed processing with low latency and high throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed pipeline implementations are used for parsing and processing network packets, then processing reliability is maintained, but latency increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic processing pipeline where the system can adaptively select and configure parsing operations based on packet type and processing requirements. Instead of a static fixed pipeline, the system dynamically adjusts the processing path, enabling faster handling of common packet types while maintaining reliability for complex packets through selective application of processing rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification and parsing of packet headers before complete packet reception, allowing early determination of processing requirements. This preliminary action enables the system to prepare processing paths in advance, reducing overall latency while maintaining processing reliability through validation checks.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed pipeline implementations are used for parsing and processing network packets, then processing stability is ensured, but adaptability to multiple packet types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal processing framework that can handle multiple packet types through a common architecture. The system uses configurable parsing rules and metadata structures that can be adapted to different packet formats (Ethernet, IPv4, IPv6, TCP, UDP, etc.) while maintaining a stable core processing pipeline. This allows the system to be versatile across packet types without sacrificing processing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes processing parameters dynamically based on packet type identification. Instead of maintaining separate fixed pipelines for each packet type, the system adjusts parsing depth, metadata generation, and forwarding rules based on detected packet characteristics, enabling adaptability while maintaining a stable underlying processing mechanism.
3Productivity
If early transmission of packet portions is attempted without timestamp analysis, then throughput increases, but underrun errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses timestamp feedback to monitor packet processing progress and dynamically adjust transmission timing. By continuously comparing expected packet arrival times with actual reception times, the system can safely transmit packet portions early when timestamps indicate sufficient buffer time, while preventing underrun errors by detecting when early transmission would cause timing violations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary timestamp analysis on received packet portions to determine safe transmission windows before actual forwarding. This preliminary timing validation allows the system to prepare transmission schedules in advance, increasing throughput by transmitting packets as soon as timing conditions are met, while maintaining reliability through timestamp-based error prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes techniques that include associating a timestamp with a network packet, and carrying the timestamp or otherwise associating the timestamp with the network packet during some or all processing by the system described herein. In one example, this disclosure describes a method that includes receiving, at an ingress port of a device, an initial portion of a network packet; storing, by the device, timestamp information associated with receiving the initial portion of the packet; and determining, by the device, whether to transmit information derived from the initial portion of the network packet.