Shared FIFO Buffer Allocation for Network Mode RAM Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In systems supporting multiple network modes, configuring the same number of First-In-First-Out (FIFO) buffers as the number of ports and occupying the same amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) leads to complex address bus access and significant RAM resource wastage, especially when setting each FIFO channel space to the maximum magnitude for varying network modes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine a shared storage area and space magnitude based on basic network mode parameters, allowing all channels in a network mode to share a single storage space, thereby reducing the number of storage spaces and minimizing resource wastage by dynamically allocating storage according to the calculated parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each FIFO channel is allocated an independent RAM and configured to maximum FIFO space magnitude for each network mode, then the system can support multiple network modes with sufficient buffering capacity, but the number of RAMs increases and storage space resources are greatly wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent FIFO channels into a shared FIFO structure that all channels can access. Instead of allocating separate RAM for each channel, a single shared RAM is used with virtualization techniques to provide logical separation. This combining approach maintains sufficient buffering capacity for multiple network modes while dramatically reducing the total number of RAM resources required.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared FIFO is designed to serve multiple network modes and channels simultaneously through a universal interface. The same physical storage resource can be dynamically allocated to different channels based on current network mode requirements, making the storage system multi-functional and adaptable to various networking scenarios without requiring dedicated resources for each mode.
2Ease of operation
If the same number of FIFOs as the number of ports is configured, then each port has dedicated buffering, but the number of address buses accessed by the RAM increases and wiring becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shared FIFO management mechanism that acts as an intermediary between multiple ports and a single shared RAM. This mediator handles address translation, channel identification, and data routing, allowing multiple ports to access the shared storage without requiring complex direct wiring from each port to separate RAM modules. The intermediary simplifies the physical connections while maintaining logical channel separation.
3Reliability
If maximum FIFO space magnitude is set for each channel in each network mode, then sufficient buffering is provided for all modes, but RAM resources are greatly wasted due to varying network mode requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The shared FIFO implementation employs dynamic allocation strategies where the buffering capacity is adjusted based on actual network mode requirements. Instead of statically allocating maximum space for each channel, the system dynamically partitions and shares the total FIFO space among active channels according to current traffic demands and network mode characteristics, ensuring sufficient buffering while minimizing wasted storage resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a sharing method and apparatus. The method acquires the first transmission parameter and the number of first channels supported by one network mode; calculates and obtains the first storage parameter corresponding to the one network mode according to the number of the first channels, the first transmission parameter and a preset calculation model; determines the first storage area satisfying the first storage parameter, and allocates the storage space for the first channels according to the first storage area. Further provided is a terminal.