Port Processor Activity Groups for Concurrent Data Flow Processing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional testing platforms for communications networks require multiple port processors and specialized radio equipment to handle multiple control and user data flows, increasing complexity and cost, and hindering efficient network testing.

Innovation Solution

The method and system for processing multiple control and user data flows at a port processor using activity groups, which allows concurrent processing of multiple control plane flows and related user data flows using a single network stack and minimal resources, reducing the need for additional equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple port processors and specialized radio equipment are used to handle multiple control and user data flows, then the processing capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control plane flows and user plane flows into a single activity group that is processed by one port processor. This merging of previously separate processing streams allows a single port processor to handle multiple flows concurrently, reducing the number of required port processors and specialized radio equipment while maintaining processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The activity group mechanism enables a single port processor to perform multiple functions by concurrently processing different control plane flows and associated user plane flows. The port processor becomes universal, capable of handling various types of traffic flows through the activity group framework, eliminating the need for dedicated equipment for each flow type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple port processors and specialized radio equipment are used to handle multiple control and user data flows, then the processing capability is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control plane flows and user plane flows into a single activity group that is processed by one port processor. This merging of previously separate processing streams allows a single port processor to handle multiple flows concurrently, reducing the number of required port processors and specialized radio equipment while maintaining processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The activity group mechanism enables a single port processor to perform multiple functions by concurrently processing different control plane flows and associated user plane flows. The port processor becomes universal, capable of handling various types of traffic flows through the activity group framework, eliminating the need for dedicated equipment for each flow type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple port processors and specialized radio equipment are used to handle multiple control and user data flows, then the processing capability is improved, but the testing efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control plane flows and user plane flows into a single activity group that is processed by one port processor. This merging of previously separate processing streams allows a single port processor to handle multiple flows concurrently, reducing the number of required port processors and specialized radio equipment while maintaining processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The activity group enables continuous concurrent processing of multiple control plane flows and user plane flows without interruption or sequential delays. The port processor maintains continuous useful action by handling all flows simultaneously within the activity group, eliminating the time loss associated with switching between multiple separate processing streams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS9065556B2Methods, systems, and computer readable media for processing multiple control and user data flows at a port processor

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 KEYSIGHT TECH SINGAPORE (SALES) PTE LTD

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for processing multiple control and user data flows at a port processor are disclosed. According to one method, the method occurs at a testing platform. The method includes concurrently receiving, via a communications interface of the testing platform, a first control plane flow and a second control plane flow. The method also includes concurrently processing the first control plane flow and the second control plane flow using a port processor of the testing platform.