Dynamic SRAM Bank Remapping for Logical Table Memory Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet forwarding systems in network devices face challenges in efficiently managing large routing scales due to limitations in memory allocation and logical table configurations, leading to suboptimal utilization of SRAM banks and potential memory wastage.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a configuration module that dynamically remaps logical tables across multiple SRAM banks, allowing for flexible allocation of memory resources and updating lookup instructions to accommodate changing memory bank allocations, thereby optimizing memory utilization and supporting large route scales.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If memory banks are allocated to logical tables using fixed mapping, then memory allocation is simple, but memory utilization is suboptimal and memory wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic remapping of logical tables across memory banks. The system includes a remapping module that can reconfigure which memory banks back which logical tables based on current needs. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt memory allocation to changing requirements, preventing memory wastage while maintaining manageable complexity through automated remapping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mapping parameters between logical tables and memory banks. By maintaining remapping information that tracks which memory banks back which logical tables, and updating these mappings dynamically, the system optimizes memory utilization without requiring complex manual allocation. The parameter changes enable flexible reallocation of memory resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If memory banks are reallocated to accommodate new logical tables, then adaptability improves, but lookup instruction updates become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces remapping information as an intermediary layer between logical tables and memory banks. This remapping information tracks the current mapping relationships and serves as a mediator that simplifies the reallocation process. When memory banks are reallocated, the system updates the remapping information rather than directly managing complex lookup instruction changes, reducing the overall complexity of adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining remapping information that anticipates future reallocation needs. Before actual memory bank reallocation occurs, the remapping information structure is already in place to facilitate smooth transitions. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of lookup instruction updates during reallocation events.
3Device complexity
If static logical table configuration is used, then system complexity is reduced, but memory wastage and suboptimal utilization occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically manages memory bank remapping through the remapping module. This automated approach allows the system to optimize its own memory utilization without requiring complex external configuration management. The self-service nature of the remapping process reduces the effective complexity burden while preventing memory wastage through dynamic optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A logical table is configured with a first set of memory banks, where each logical row in the logical table comprises a corresponding memory row from each of the memory banks. Lookup instructions to access a logical row includes a bank set that lists the memory banks associated with that logical row. In response to a range of memory rows of one of the memory banks being reallocated to another logical table, a new memory bank is identified to store the data in the reallocated memory rows. Logical rows associated with the reallocated memory rows are mapped to the new memory bank. Bank sets in the lookup instructions that refer to the remapped logical rows are updated to list the new memory bank in place of the “old” memory bank.