Switch Buffer Overflow Control via Cable Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a communication system configured with multiple Layer 2 switches in a pyramid form, a buffer overflow due to cable failure can lead to the entire system stopping communication, as existing flow control mechanisms do not differentiate between buffer overflow and cable failure, causing unnecessary flow control and retransmissions.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with detectors for linkup and buffer overflow states, and a control unit that executes flow control only when no transmission failure is detected, avoiding flow control when a cable failure is suspected to prevent system-wide communication halt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flow control is executed when buffer overflow is detected, then buffer overflow can be prevented, but communication system stops completely when cable failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between buffer overflow and cable failure conditions. The control unit executes flow control only when buffer overflow is detected (local condition), but suppresses it when cable failure is detected (different local condition). This localized differentiation prevents unnecessary flow control in cable failure scenarios, maintaining communication availability while still preventing buffer overflow when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the control unit detect cable failure conditions before executing flow control. The detection unit continuously monitors link status and transmission states, identifying cable failure conditions in advance. This preliminary detection prevents the system from executing ineffective flow control in cable failure scenarios, thereby avoiding complete communication system stoppage.
2Reliability
If flow control is executed in pyramid-configured network, then buffer overflow is prevented, but communication stops in entire system due to cascade effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making flow control execution conditional on the specific cause of buffer overflow. The control unit determines whether buffer overflow is caused by actual buffer fullness or by cable failure, and only executes flow control in the former case. This localized differentiation prevents the cascade effect in pyramid-configured networks where flow control in one node would otherwise propagate and stop the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through continuous monitoring of link status and transmission states. The detection unit provides feedback information about the actual cause of buffer overflow to the control unit, which then adjusts its behavior accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary flow control execution in cable failure scenarios, maintaining system stability in pyramid-configured networks.
3Reliability
If flow control is executed without detecting transmission failure, then buffer overflow is controlled, but vain transmissions occur and processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the detection unit continuously monitor transmission states before flow control is executed. The control unit checks whether transmission failure has occurred in the relevant interface before initiating flow control. This preliminary check prevents vain transmissions and reduces processing load by avoiding flow control execution in cable failure scenarios where it would be ineffective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies taking out by extracting the flow control execution from the automatic buffer overflow response. Instead of automatically executing flow control whenever buffer overflow is detected, the system extracts and adds a conditional check for transmission failure status. This extraction allows the system to selectively execute flow control only when appropriate, eliminating vain transmissions and reducing unnecessary processing load.
Data Source
AI summary
In a communication device, a frame received via a port on the reception side is transmitted via a port on the transmission side. A first detector detects linkup of a port on the transmission side. When linkup is detected, a second detector detects a state closer to an overflow of a transmission buffer that accumulates a frame to be transmitted via the port on the transmission side. When a state closer to an overflow is detected, a control unit executes flow control via a port on the reception side when no transmission failure is detected in the port on the transmission side, and the control unit determines non-execution of flow control via the port on the reception side when a transmission failure is detected in the port on the transmission side.