Router Flow Control via Dual Registers and Switch Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Routers experience congestion in downlink packets from wireless devices, leading to performance degradation across all network devices connected to the router due to inadequate flow control in high-speed wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A router design that includes first and second packet input interfaces, registers for temporary packet storage, a control circuit for selective reading of packets, and a switch module with output interfaces, which generates output packets and receives flow control signals to pause reading when congestion occurs, thereby managing individual register flow and reducing idle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the router processes downlink packets from wireless devices at high speed, then the network throughput increases, but packet congestion occurs leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing system into multiple independent registers (first register, second register) that can be independently controlled. Each register handles packets from different sources or with different priorities, allowing the router to manage high throughput while preventing congestion from propagating across the entire system. The control circuit selectively reads from different registers based on flow control signals, enabling granular management of packet flow.
2Productivity
If the control circuit continuously reads packets from registers to maintain high output rate, then productivity increases, but idle time increases when congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control port monitors congestion conditions and sends flow control signals back to the control circuit. When congestion is detected at the output interface, the control circuit receives the flow control signal and pauses reading from the corresponding register. This feedback loop eliminates idle time by dynamically adjusting the reading rate based on real-time congestion status, maintaining high productivity only when the system can actually process packets.
3Reliability
If the router implements comprehensive flow control for all packet interfaces, then quality of service improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flow control locally rather than globally. Each register (first register, second register) has its own flow control mechanism controlled by the control circuit, which selectively reads from specific registers based on congestion conditions. This localized approach provides quality of service guarantees for individual packet streams without requiring complex system-wide flow control, thereby improving reliability while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The application discloses a router coupled to a first device and a second device. The router includes a first packet input interface, a second packet input interface, a first register, a second register, a control circuit and a switch module. The switch module includes a control port, a first packet output interface and a second packet output interface. The application further discloses a routing method. The router and routing method saves idle time and improves quality of service.