Reconfigurable Network Topology for Direct-Path Traffic Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving full connectivity in circuit-switched networks with reconfigurable topologies is challenging due to the complexity and high hardware cost of crossbar switches, leading to latency issues for latency-sensitive traffic when using partially configurable selector switches.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that determines the type of traffic and buffers packets until a direct path is reconfigured between endpoints in a network with selector switches, using indirect paths for low-latency traffic and direct paths for bulk traffic, while maximizing network capacity by offsetting reconfigurations to ensure continuous paths between endpoints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If crossbar switches are used to achieve full connectivity in circuit-switched networks, then connectivity between endpoints is improved, but device complexity and hardware cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into multiple reconfigurable domains with selector switches instead of using a single large crossbar switch. Each selector switch manages a subset of connections, segmenting the overall switching function into smaller, more manageable units that reduce individual device complexity while maintaining full network connectivity through coordinated reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The network topology is made dynamic through reconfigurable selector switches that can change interconnection patterns over time. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to provide full connectivity when needed while using simpler switching elements, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity by adapting the network structure to connectivity requirements.
2Productivity
If reconfiguration is performed to establish direct paths for bulk traffic, then network capacity is improved, but latency increases for latency-sensitive traffic
Solution Approach 1:
Different quality of service is provided to different traffic types within the same network. Bulk traffic receives direct paths through reconfigured selector switches for maximum capacity, while latency-sensitive traffic is routed through currently available paths without requiring reconfiguration. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing for network capacity where applicable while preserving low latency where required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reconfiguring the entire network for every bulk traffic flow, only the necessary selector switches are reconfigured on a partial basis. This selective reconfiguration minimizes the impact on latency-sensitive traffic while still providing direct paths for bulk traffic, balancing network capacity improvement with latency preservation.
3Device complexity
If selector switches are used instead of crossbar switches, then device complexity is reduced, but direct path availability decreases leading to latency
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary reconfiguration of selector switches in advance to establish direct paths for bulk traffic flows. By proactively reconfiguring the network topology before latency-sensitive traffic arrives, the system ensures that direct paths are available when needed, compensating for the inherently lower direct path availability of selector switches compared to crossbar switches while maintaining reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network maintains continuous availability of paths for all traffic types through coordinated reconfiguration of multiple selector switches. While individual selector switches may not provide direct paths, the continuous reconfiguration and coordination across the network ensures that useful action (data transmission) continues without interruption, effectively masking the latency issue while preserving the benefits of simpler switching elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include determining whether the topology of a network includes a direct path between a first endpoint and a second endpoint in the network. A direct path may be used to send a first type of traffic from the first endpoint to the second endpoint whereas any currently available path may be used to send a second type of traffic from the first endpoint to the second endpoint. If the topology of the network does not include a direct path, the first type of traffic may be buffered at the first endpoint until the topology of the network is reconfigured to include the direct path. The topology of the network may be reconfigured when at least one switch in the network reconfigures, for example, by switching from one interconnection to another interconnection pattern. Related systems and articles of manufacture are also provided.