Shared Retry Buffer for Multi-Type Link-Layer Retransmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transmission protocols at the link layer struggle with retransmitting data packets of multiple types simultaneously, as each type requires a specific retransmission mechanism, leading to inefficiencies and challenges in managing diverse data formats.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that identify and process data packets of different types at the link layer, employing differential retransmission mechanisms tailored to each type, allowing them to be retransmitted effectively using a shared retry buffer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple retransmission mechanisms are used for different data packet types, then data integrity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified retransmission mechanism that can handle multiple data packet types (flit-based, packet-based, and no-retransmission types) through a single system. The transmitter and receiver are designed with multi-functional capabilities to identify and process different packet types using appropriate retransmission strategies, eliminating the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each packet type while maintaining data integrity across all formats
2Measurement precision
If separate retransmission mechanisms are used for each data packet type, then retransmission accuracy is improved, but processing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing adaptive retransmission processing where the system dynamically selects and applies the appropriate retransmission mechanism based on the identified packet type. The transmitter and receiver can flexibly switch between flit-based retransmission, packet-based retransmission, or no-retransmission modes depending on the data format, enabling accurate processing without the overhead of maintaining multiple static mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple retransmission mechanisms are implemented, then adaptability to different protocols is improved, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using packet type identification parameters to determine which retransmission mechanism to apply. The system changes its operational parameters (retransmission strategy) based on the identified packet type, allowing it to adapt to different protocols (QPI, UPI, PCIe, CXL, IB, Ethernet) without requiring complex management of multiple independent mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a method for retransmitting data and an apparatus, and relate to the field of terminal software, to retransmit data packets of a plurality of data types. The method includes: Atransmitter receives a retry request, where the retry request includes a sequence number of a first to-be-retransmitted flit; and the transmitter reads data in a retry buffer based on the sequence number of the first to-be-retransmitted flit and retransmits the data, where the retry buffer includes flits of at least two types of data packets, and retransmission manners of the at least two types of data packets are different. Embodiments of this application are applied to a data transmission scenario at a link layer.