Switch Storage Allocation Management via Dynamic Credit Reallocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In switches utilizing flow control, storage allocation is typically hardwired, leading to waste as some ports underutilize their allocated credits while others exhaust theirs, indicating a need for dynamic allocation based on usage.
Innovation Solution
A system that monitors the average usage of storage units across ports over a predetermined time period, sets thresholds, and dynamically reallocates available storage units from underutilized ports to those that need more, ensuring optimal utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If storage allocation is hardwired in switches, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but storage utilization efficiency deteriorates due to waste of unused credits while other ports exhaust theirs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage allocation by allowing the switch to monitor credit usage patterns and automatically reallocate storage units from underutilized ports to ports that need them. This transforms the static hardwired allocation into a dynamic system that adapts to changing traffic demands, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the number of credits used by each port and using this information to make reallocation decisions. The switch tracks usage patterns and adjusts storage allocation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that improves storage utilization while maintaining automated operation
2Device complexity
If storage allocation is hardwired in switches, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as the system cannot respond to changing usage patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the storage allocation dynamic by enabling the switch to automatically adjust credit distribution based on monitored usage patterns. This allows the system to adapt to changing traffic demands without requiring complex manual reconfiguration, achieving adaptability while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The switch performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own credit usage and reallocating storage units without external intervention. This self-managing capability provides adaptability to changing conditions while avoiding the complexity of external control systems
3Productivity
If dynamic reallocation of storage units is implemented, then storage utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to monitoring and reallocation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the switch monitors credit usage and automatically adjusts allocation based on this information. This feedback-driven approach improves storage utilization efficiency while keeping the control logic relatively simple, as the system only needs to track usage and make straightforward reallocation decisions
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic reallocation of storage units is implemented, then adaptability is improved to respond to changing usage patterns, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing storage allocation to change automatically based on monitored usage patterns. This provides adaptability to varying traffic conditions while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, as the dynamic behavior is achieved through automated monitoring and reallocation rather than complex control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A computer program product and system for managing allocation of storage in a switch utilizing flow control are provided. The switch includes a plurality of ports and an internal storage divided into a plurality of storage units. The computer program product and system provide for monitoring an average number of storage units used by each of the plurality of ports over a predetermined time period, setting a threshold for the average number of storage units used by each of the plurality of ports, and allocating one or more available storage units assigned to a first port to a second port in response to storage allocation management being enabled for the second port and the average number of storage units used by the second port exceeding the threshold for the second port.