Network Switch Link Efficiency via Control Payload Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network systems face inefficiencies in link efficiency due to the transmission of control packets, which do not carry data, thereby reducing overall network performance and potentially blocking payload packets.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves combining the content of control packets with payload packets before transmission and using separate packet processing circuitry to process control and payload packets independently, thereby avoiding blocking and enhancing link efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control packets are transmitted separately to ensure reliable data transmission, then packet delivery reliability is improved, but link efficiency deteriorates due to bandwidth consumption by control packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control packets and payload packets into a single transmission unit. Control information (ACKs, NACKs, routing path information) is merged with payload data, allowing both control and data traffic to share the same transmission resources and time slots, thereby improving link efficiency while maintaining reliable delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal packet structure that can carry both control information and payload data simultaneously. This multi-functional packet design allows the network to handle both control and data traffic through the same transmission channel, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control channels
2Reliability
If control packets are transmitted independently to ensure proper packet flow control, then flow control reliability is improved, but payload packet delivery deteriorates due to blocking by control packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control packets and payload packets into unified transmission units, eliminating the blocking issue where independent control packets would occupy transmission channels and prevent payload packets from being sent. By combining them, the system ensures flow control reliability while preventing payload packet blocking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous transmission of combined control and payload packets without interruption. By eliminating separate control packet transmissions that would cause blocking, the system maintains continuous useful action (data transmission) while still performing flow control functions within the same transmission stream
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein relate to a switch or router. In some examples, the switch or router is to: based on receipt of a control packet associated with a first link, store the control packet into a first region of memory associated with the first link; based on receipt of a data packet associated with the first link, store the data packet into a second region of memory associated with the first link; based on the control packet and data packet to egress from a same output port, insert a strict subset of content of the control packet into the data packet to form a second data packet; and cause transmission of the second data packet to a device from the output port.