Network Port Address Assignment by Link Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network systems experience congestion due to the lack of correlation between virtual lane assignments and link rates in computer networks, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission across ports with different operational speeds.
Innovation Solution
A method for assigning port addresses based on link rates, where devices with similar link rates are grouped and assigned to the same communication lane to reduce congestion, involving the discovery of link rates and association with routing parameters to optimize network communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If virtual lanes are assigned based on port address without considering link rate, then the system is simple to implement, but network congestion occurs due to mismatched link rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the assignment parameter from port address alone to a combination of port address and link rate. The system now considers link rate as an additional parameter for VL assignment, ensuring that devices with matching link rates are assigned to the same VL. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining systematic assignment (improving operation) while eliminating congestion through rate-matched grouping (improving productivity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different assignment rules for different link rate groups. Instead of a uniform assignment approach, the system tailors VL assignment to specific link rate characteristics, grouping devices with identical link rates together. This localized approach optimizes each VL's performance for its specific rate while maintaining overall system organization.
2Device complexity
If devices with different link rates share the same communication lane, then the system uses fewer lanes, but slower devices hinder faster ones causing congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network communication lanes into separate groups based on link rate characteristics. Devices operating at different link rates are assigned to different virtual lanes, creating segmented communication paths. This segmentation prevents slower devices from bottlenecking faster ones while maintaining efficient utilization of available lanes through systematic grouping.
3Device complexity
If port address assignment is independent of link rate, then the addressing system remains simple, but congestion occurs within virtual lanes due to mixed link rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the port address assignment process by incorporating link rate as a determining factor. The system now assigns port addresses and virtual lanes based on both the traditional port address structure and the device's link rate capability. This dual-parameter approach maintains addressing simplicity through systematic rules while eliminating congestion by ensuring rate-matched device grouping within each virtual lane.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for assigning port addresses for a plurality of network devices based on a link rate associated with each network device is provided. The method includes discovering a link rate associated with each of the plurality of network devices; assigning a device address for each of the plurality of network devices, where at least a portion of the device address is selected based on the discovered link rate; assigning communication lanes among the plurality of network devices for network communication, wherein the communication lanes are assigned such that network devices with similar link rates use a same communication lane.