Switch Data Routing via Dynamic Congestion-Based Port Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switches face congestion issues in routing data packets due to the lack of effective methods to dynamically manage and adapt to changing congestion levels across output ports, leading to inefficiencies in data routing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of route lookup and selection circuitry within switches to identify and select output ports based on congestion levels, buffering data packets in input queues until the most optimal route becomes available, utilizing a crossbar to route data packets to the selected output ports, thereby managing congestion and adapting to changes in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple routing paths are provided in a switch, then the capacity to route data packets is improved, but congestion occurs in the routing paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic route selection by monitoring congestion levels in real-time and adapting the routing path accordingly. The switch dynamically switches between different routing paths based on current network conditions, transforming a static routing system into a dynamic one that responds to changing congestion states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the routing parameter (selected path) based on the congestion level parameter. When congestion in a primary path exceeds a threshold, the system changes the routing parameter to an alternative path, thereby adjusting system behavior according to varying network conditions.
2Reliability
If routing paths are dynamically selected based on congestion levels, then congestion is reduced, but the complexity of route management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes multiple alternative routing paths during system initialization or configuration. This preliminary preparation of backup paths eliminates the need for complex real-time route computation, as the switch only needs to switch between pre-defined paths based on congestion conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where congestion levels are continuously monitored and fed back to the routing decision logic. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of routing paths without requiring complex manual management, as the system self-regulates based on real-time congestion information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data packets are buffered in input queues, then routing flexibility is improved, but the storage requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial buffering by maintaining buffers only for packets that require alternative routing, rather than buffering all packets indiscriminately. This selective buffering approach provides routing flexibility when needed while minimizing overall storage requirements by avoiding unnecessary buffer allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods and storage medium associated with routing data in a switch are provided. In embodiments, the switch may include route lookup circuitry determine a first set of output ports that are available to send a data packet to a destination node. The lookup circuitry may further select, based on respective congestion levels associated with the first set of output ports, a plurality of output ports for a second set of output ports from the first set of output ports. An input queue of the switch may buffer the data packet and route information associated with the second set of output ports. The switch may further include route selection circuitry to select a destination output port from the second set of output ports, based on updated congestion levels associated with the output ports of the second set of output ports. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.