Network Device Port Scheduling via Group Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices face challenges in efficiently managing data port scheduling, particularly in oversubscribed conditions where the total bandwidth of active and inactive data ports exceeds the maximum capacity of packet processing resources, leading to suboptimal operation and potential bandwidth underutilization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of scheduling logic within network devices that groups data ports based on characteristics such as speed and activity, using a combination of group scheduler and port scheduler logic to allocate processing time slots, ensuring active ports maintain bandwidth while managing oversubscription by selecting active ports and adjusting selection criteria to balance resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If packet processing resources are allocated to handle total bandwidth of all data ports, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but resource oversubscription leads to suboptimal operation and bandwidth underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data ports into multiple groups based on characteristics such as speed and activity status. Each group is then scheduled independently by the port scheduler, allowing differentiated resource allocation. This segmentation enables the system to handle diverse port requirements efficiently while preventing oversubscription issues by controlling which groups receive processing resources at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The port scheduler dynamically adjusts the selection of active ports based on current system conditions, including the number of active ports, their characteristics, and resource availability. The scheduling logic adapts in real-time by modifying selection criteria and allocation strategies, ensuring optimal resource utilization while maintaining bandwidth guarantees for active ports. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between capacity and efficiency.
2Productivity
If scheduling logic groups data ports by characteristics, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex scheduling task into manageable segments by creating distinct port groups based on characteristics like speed and activity. Each group can be scheduled independently with tailored parameters, simplifying the overall scheduling logic while improving allocation efficiency. The segmentation reduces the complexity of managing individual ports by batching them into homogeneous groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by changing scheduling parameters dynamically rather than maintaining complex static rules. The port scheduler adjusts selection criteria, group weights, and allocation parameters based on current port states and resource conditions. This parameter-based approach provides flexibility and efficiency while keeping the underlying system structure relatively simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and network device provides port scheduling for data ports in the network device. The network device may assign data ports of the network device into port groups according to port characteristics of the data ports. The network device may schedule processing time slots for active data ports by determining a selected port group based on group selection parameters. The network device may then determine a selected data port from the selected port group using port selection criteria. The port selection criteria may maintain minimum and maximum packet spacing requirements for the data ports of a port group. The network device may also maintain an active ports list to disqualify inactive data ports from selection.