Relay Device Buffer Management via Dynamic Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buffer management techniques in integrated networks, such as those combining LANs and SANs, face challenges in effectively controlling frame dropping and bandwidth allocation, leading to communication quality deterioration due to inadequate flow control and threshold settings.
Innovation Solution
A relay device with a buffer that calculates and sets thresholds based on utilization changes for each communication type, discarding frames when the threshold is exceeded, and suspending transmissions to prevent buffer overflow, thereby optimizing buffer usage and communication quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flow control using pause frame is implemented to reduce frame dropping, then frame dropping is reduced, but transmission of all frames including those allowed to be dropped is suspended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments frame transmission control by communication type, implementing different flow control mechanisms for different types of frames. Critical communication types (like FCoE) use pause frames to suspend transmission, while non-critical types continue transmitting, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable frame delivery and continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by treating different communication types differently based on their drop allowance characteristics. Each communication type receives tailored flow control treatment - some get strict pause frame control while others get more permissive handling, optimizing both reliability for critical types and productivity for non-critical types.
2Device complexity
If simple flow control criteria are used, then device complexity is reduced, but appropriate flow control cannot be conducted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments flow control management by communication type, maintaining separate control criteria for each type. This segmentation allows complex control logic to be applied only where needed (for communication types with drop allowances) while using simpler control for others, balancing device complexity with control effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment for buffer usage based on communication type and current buffer conditions. The thresholds are not fixed but adapt according to the specific communication type's characteristics and real-time buffer utilization, enabling appropriate flow control without requiring overly complex static rules.
3Device complexity
If early packet drop with fixed threshold is implemented, then bandwidth control is simplified, but it is difficult to balance reducing buffer overflow and securing bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed thresholds with dynamic threshold adjustment for early packet drop. The thresholds automatically adapt based on buffer utilization levels and communication type characteristics, enabling the system to balance buffer overflow prevention with bandwidth securing without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where buffer utilization information is continuously monitored and used to adjust drop thresholds. This feedback loop allows the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain optimal balance between preventing buffer overflow and preserving available bandwidth for critical communications.
4Reliability
If buffer threshold is set high to prevent overflow, then buffer overflow is reduced, but frame discarding occurs easily for flows with EPD enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments buffer threshold settings by communication type, applying different threshold levels to different types of frames. Critical communication types receive higher thresholds to prevent overflow, while non-critical types use lower thresholds that allow easier discarding, thus resolving the contradiction between overflow prevention and transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control to buffer threshold settings, tailoring the threshold value to the specific characteristics of each communication type. This ensures that critical communications benefit from high thresholds for overflow protection while non-critical communications experience appropriate frame discarding without impacting overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a relay device including: a buffer configured to store a received frame; a discarding unit configured to discard the received frame, when a utilization amount of the buffer exceeds a first value set corresponding to a communication type of the received frame; a first calculating unit configured to calculate the utilization amount of the buffer for each communication type at least two points in time, and calculate an amount of change in the utilization amount of the buffer for each communication type; and a setting unit configured to calculate the first value for each communication type, based on the amount of change in the utilization amount, and set the first value in the discarding unit.