Photonic Switch Port Data Frame Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network switches face challenges in handling high volumes of data due to their reliance on centralized algorithms and legacy interface technologies, which can lead to inefficiencies in data processing and handling.
Innovation Solution
A photonic-based distributed network switch with a passive optical star and independent ports equipped with data frame reduction stages that filter and forward only relevant optical data frames, using decision and action logic to determine which data frames to drop or forward based on specific criteria, such as community of interest and addressing information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centralized algorithm method is used for data processing, then switching capability is achieved, but data processing efficiency deteriorates due to high data volumes overwhelming legacy interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized switching function into distributed port-level operations. Each port independently performs data frame reduction using local decision logic and action logic, segmenting the processing load across multiple independent units rather than concentrating it at a central controller. This segmentation allows each port to handle only its relevant data subset, improving overall processing efficiency while reducing interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary filtering of data frames at each port before they enter the legacy interface. Decision logic evaluates incoming data frames against stored criteria (such as destination addresses, source addresses, or protocol types) and pre-identifies frames that should be dropped. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary data from reaching the interface, thereby improving processing efficiency and reducing the burden on legacy interfaces.
2Reliability
If all optical data frames are forwarded to legacy interfaces, then complete data transmission is maintained, but interface overload occurs reducing system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary data frames from the data stream at the port level before they reach the legacy interface. Action logic executes drop operations for data frames that do not meet forwarding criteria, effectively taking out irrelevant data from the transmission path. This extraction maintains reliability for necessary data while preventing interface overload by eliminating superfluous frames that would otherwise consume processing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial filtering action by selectively dropping only those data frames that are unnecessary for the specific port, rather than filtering all data uniformly. The decision logic and action logic work together to perform partial drops based on specific criteria such as destination MAC addresses, source MAC addresses, or protocol types. This partial action maintains complete transmission of required data while removing excess data that would overload the interface.
3Productivity
If data frame reduction is implemented at each port, then interface load is reduced, but switching functionality is lost without centralized control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each port to perform self-service data frame reduction using locally stored decision logic and action logic. Each port independently evaluates incoming data frames against its own criteria without requiring centralized control for each decision. The port maintains its own filtering capabilities and executes drop operations autonomously based on pre-configured parameters. This self-service approach preserves interface processing capacity while maintaining switching functionality through distributed intelligence rather than centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
A photonic-based distributed network switch and method where the switch is designed to reduce or filter optical data frames entering a port of the switch so that only data frames that are appropriate for the port are forwarded from the port. This reduces the amount of data that needs to be handled by the port interface, which is especially important where the port may be using legacy interface technology that may be incapable of handling the volume of data entering the port.