Programmable Network Switch Integrating Host Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication networks face inefficiencies in data transmission due to the separation of session management from packet processing, leading to throughput limitations and resource consumption issues, particularly in edge networks where power, storage, and cooling resources are limited.

Innovation Solution

The development of programmable network switches that integrate data management functions and pipeline processing within a single compact unit, eliminating the need for external host servers and reducing extraneous communication, by combining a processing node with a pipeline processing component and an auxiliary processing component into a single housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If external host servers are used for session management and packet processing, then network functionality is achieved, but throughput is limited and resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the host server and network switch into a single integrated device. The host processor directly processes data packets without requiring separate external host servers, eliminating communication overhead and improving throughput while reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If additional host server hardware is deployed at network edge, then data processing capability is improved, but power consumption and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates host server functionality directly into the network switch hardware at the network edge. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate host server hardware, reducing power consumption and resource usage while maintaining enhanced data processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If data traverses multiple network nodes for routing, then proper routing is achieved, but transmission efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting accuracyVSAvoiddata transmission time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts session management and packet processing functions from external hosts and integrates them directly into the network switch. This enables direct data egress from the user plane to the destination network without requiring extraneous transport through central sites, reducing transmission time while maintaining routing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If general purpose servers are used for user plane functions, then flexibility is maintained, but throughput is limited by server capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoiddata throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces general purpose servers with a specialized network switch that has integrated host processing capability. This substitution maintains the flexibility of programmable host processing while achieving higher throughput through optimized hardware architecture and direct packet processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11675946B1Programmable network switch for user plane function

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 SPRINT SPECTRUM LLC

AI summary

Programmable network switches configured to perform various functions including session management, data processing, routing, and pipeline processing functions. Exemplary programmable network switches include pipeline processing components to transport data packets to network nodes, and data processing components to perform management functions including instructing the pipeline processing component how to transport the data packets. Auxiliary processing components can also be included to perform pre and post processing. The pipeline processing and auxiliary processing components can include ASICs, FPGAs, and other processors in any combination within a single rack mountable unit.