Segmented Memory for ATM Ethernet Interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interworking between networks with differing data structures, such as ATM and Ethernet networks, requires complex data flow and structure adaptation, leading to inefficient storage and processing of transmission units.
Innovation Solution
A process using a segmented memory with addressable lists, where each transmission unit is stored as a list comprising a descriptor segment and data segments, allowing flexible distribution of content and efficient processing by using pointers, thereby adapting data structures without moving data within the memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transmission units are stored in a conventional memory structure to enable interworking between ATM and Ethernet networks, then data transfer between networks is enabled, but the storage and processing complexity increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The memory is segmented into fixed-length segments matching ATM cell payload sections (48 bytes). Each transmission unit is represented by a list of segment descriptors pointing to these segments, enabling efficient storage and processing of both fixed-length ATM cells and variable-length Ethernet frames without complex conversion operations
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented memory structure serves multiple functions: it stores both ATM cells and Ethernet frames efficiently, handles variable and fixed-length transmission units uniformly through descriptor lists, and enables interworking between different network protocols without requiring separate storage structures for each protocol type
2Adaptability or versatility
If transmission units are converted between different network protocols with different length characteristics, then interworking is achieved, but the processing effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory is pre-segmented into fixed-length segments corresponding to ATM cell payloads before any data transfer occurs. This preliminary structuring allows transmission units of any protocol to be efficiently stored and processed by simply assembling or disassembling segments, eliminating the need for complex real-time conversion operations between protocols
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically moving and converting data between different memory structures for protocol conversion, the invention uses descriptor lists that reference segmented memory. Protocol conversion is achieved by copying descriptor information and reinterpreting segment associations, which is much faster than actual data movement and transformation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for storing transmission units in interworking between networks of differing protocol structure, in particular between ATM networks and Ethernet networks, and a corresponding network communications device. In accordance with the invention a storage in a segmented memory (10) is proposed in which the segmentation is chosen in such a way that the length of a segment of the segmented memory (10) corresponds to the length of the payload of an ATM cell. The storage of transmission units in the segmented memory (10) is preferably effected in the form of lists (40) which comprise descriptor segments (100) and data segments (200). The invention facilitates efficient storage and processing of transmission units with differing data structure and length.