Two-Stage Switching System for High-Destination Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switches are inadequate when the number of destinations exceeds the number of output ports, requiring multiple devices to achieve the desired connectivity, leading to an increase in the number of devices needed.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising k switching units, n×k splitter units, and a control unit, where each switching unit outputs signals to n output ports, and the splitter units split signals into nk-1 signals, allowing receivers to connect to different combinations of splitter units and discard unnecessary signals, thereby controlling signal delivery to specific destinations without increasing the number of devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used to achieve more destinations than output ports, then the number of destinations is increased, but the number of devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal distribution function into multiple stages: first-stage switches perform initial signal routing, and second-stage switches perform further distribution. This segmentation allows the system to achieve a larger number of destinations without proportionally increasing the total number of devices, as each stage utilizes the output ports more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-stage flat switching architecture to a two-stage hierarchical architecture. By adding the dimension of hierarchical levels (first-stage and second-stage switches), the system can accommodate more destinations without linearly increasing device count, effectively using dimensional expansion to resolve the contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of destinations exceeds the number of output ports, then more destinations are supported, but conventional switches become inapplicable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switching function into two distinct stages with different roles: first-stage switches handle initial signal distribution to multiple second-stage switches, while second-stage switches handle final destination routing. This segmentation makes the system applicable even when destinations exceed output ports by distributing the routing burden across stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The second-stage switches act as intermediaries between the first-stage switches and the final destinations. This intermediary layer enables the system to bridge the gap between limited output ports and numerous destinations, making the architecture applicable in scenarios where conventional single-stage switches would fail.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are configured to achieve m destinations, then destination capacity is increased, but device count becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the switching architecture into two stages with optimized port utilization at each level, the patent achieves higher destination capacity without proportionally increasing device count. The first-stage switches share output ports across multiple second-stage switches, improving overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The second-stage switches serve multiple functions: they receive signals from multiple first-stage switches, perform final destination routing, and can serve multiple destinations simultaneously. This multi-functionality increases destination capacity without requiring a proportional increase in device count.
Data Source
AI summary
A signals is input to k (k being an integer 2 or greater) switching units, and is output to one of n (n being an integer of 2 or greater) output ports. The n×k splitter units each corresponding to the respective output ports of the respective switching units split the signals having been output from the corresponding output ports into nk-1 signals. A plurality of receivers are connected to the k splitter units that split signals having been output from the k respective switching units. The combinations of the splitter units to which the respective receivers are connected are different. A receiver accepts received signals when having received the signals from all of the connected k splitter units, but discards received signals when having received the signals from only a part of the connected k splitter units. A control unit controls the output ports to which the respective switching units output signals in accordance with the receiver serving as the destination of data.