Programmable Congestion Control Network Adapter Circuitry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current congestion control methods in packet communication networks face inefficiencies due to high latency and resource consumption in software implementations, and rigidity in hardware implementations, which affect system performance.

Innovation Solution

A network adapter with a receive and transmit pipeline and congestion management circuitry that processes congestion events and user-programmable packets to mitigate congestion, using a combination of hardware and programmable processors to throttle transmission rates and generate notifications, enabling flexible and fast congestion control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software implementation of congestion control is used, then adaptability is improved, but latency and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecongestion control adaptabilityVSAvoidcongestion control latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based congestion control mechanisms with hardware-based circuitry (congestion management circuitry integrated in the network adapter). This substitution moves the congestion control function from the software layer to the hardware layer, enabling parallel processing with the data path and eliminating software processing delays, thus reducing latency while maintaining adaptability through programmable logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hybrid architecture where congestion management circuitry acts as an intermediary between the hardware data path and software control plane. The circuitry includes a programmable processor that can execute congestion control algorithms in hardware, bridging the gap between the need for adaptability (software strength) and low latency (hardware strength).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If hardware implementation of congestion control is used, then latency is reduced, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecongestion control latencyVSAvoidcongestion control adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic congestion control by incorporating a programmable processor in the congestion management circuitry. This processor can be configured to execute different congestion control algorithms and adapt to varying network conditions. The hardware implementation maintains speed advantages while the programmable nature allows dynamic adaptation to different protocols and scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The congestion management circuitry is designed with a universal programmable processor that can implement multiple congestion control algorithms and handle different packet types. This multi-functional design allows the same hardware circuitry to adapt to various network requirements without sacrificing processing speed, resolving the contradiction between hardware speed and software adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If software implementation is used, then adaptability is improved, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecongestion control adaptabilityVSAvoidprocessing resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes software-based congestion control processing with dedicated hardware circuitry in the network adapter. This relocation of the congestion control function from the host processor to the network adapter's hardware eliminates the need for continuous CPU involvement in congestion control operations, significantly reducing overall system resource consumption while maintaining adaptability through the programmable processor in the hardware circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11296988B2Programmable congestion control communication scheme

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 MELLANOX TECHNOLOGIES LTD(IL)

AI summary

A network adapter includes a receive (Rx) pipeline, a transmit (Tx) pipeline and congestion management circuitry. The Rx pipeline is configured to receive packets sent over a network by a peer network adapter, and to process the received packets. The Tx pipeline is configured to transmit packets to the peer network adapter over the network. The congestion management circuitry is configured to receive, from the Tx pipeline and from the Rx pipeline, Congestion-Control (CC) events derived from at least some of the packets exchanged with the peer network adapter, to exchange user-programmable congestion control packets with the peer network adapter, and to mitigate a congestion affecting one or more of the packets responsively to the CC events and the user-programmable congestion control packets.