Network Switch Cut-Through Disable Based on Cycle Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
In time-sensitive networking (TSN) for IEEE 802.1 local area networks, existing technologies face challenges in managing cut-through frame transfer efficiently, leading to potential delays and reduced network throughput due to uncertainties in frame scheduling within the cycle time period.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a network switch with a stream gate control list and a cut-through disable variable (CTD) that determines whether to enable or disable cut-through frame transfer based on specific time periods within the cycle time, ensuring that frames are either stored and forwarded or transmitted immediately, thereby optimizing the chances of scheduling frames within the same cycle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If cut-through frame transfer is used to reduce latency, then frame transmission speed is improved, but scheduling reliability within cycle time period deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between cut-through frame transfer and store-and-forward modes based on real-time conditions. The determination of which mode to use is made dynamically at runtime rather than being fixed, allowing the system to adapt to varying network conditions and frame characteristics to balance speed and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of frame transfer mode based on frame characteristics and network conditions. By selecting different transfer modes (cut-through vs. store-and-forward) as a parameter change, the system optimizes both transmission speed and scheduling reliability for different scenarios
2Loss of time
If cut-through frame transfer is used, then latency is reduced, but network throughput deteriorates due to scheduling uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between cut-through and store-and-forward modes based on whether the frame can be scheduled within the current cycle time period. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maximize throughput by using store-and-forward when scheduling is uncertain, while maintaining low latency with cut-through when scheduling is certain
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the scheduler determines whether a frame can be transmitted within the current cycle time period, and this information feeds back to the forwarder to determine the appropriate transfer mode. This feedback loop enables the system to optimize both latency and throughput based on actual scheduling outcomes
3Reliability
If store-and-forward mode is used, then scheduling reliability is improved, but frame transmission speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different frame transfer modes to different frames based on their specific characteristics and scheduling requirements. Rather than using a uniform mode for all frames, the system applies cut-through or store-and-forward locally to each frame based on whether it can be scheduled within the current cycle time period
Data Source
AI summary
Cut-through frame transfer or store-and-forward frame transfer of a frame in an network switch is disclosed. A frame is received from an input port of the switch. A time period in a cycle time when the frame is received and a stream identification of the frame is determined. One of the cut-through frame transfer and the store-and-forward frame transfer of the frame is performed based on the time period in the cycle time when the frame was received and the stream identification.