Centralized Table Aging Module for Network Switch Memory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network switches face challenges in efficiently and flexibly utilizing limited memory resources for table aging, especially with the shift towards software-defined networking (SDN) that separates control and data planes, requiring a new approach for managing memory in network switch chips.

Innovation Solution

A centralized table aging module that utilizes embedded memory resources for parallel aging of tables, incorporating an age marking process and an age refreshing process, with age mark memory and age mask memory providing per-entry control granularity, allowing for efficient and flexible memory management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed set of memory is allocated for table aging in prior art network switches, then the aging function is implemented, but the memory resource utilization is inefficient and inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory resource utilization flexibilityVSAvoidmemory allocation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a centralized table aging module that can age any of multiple search tables using a single shared embedded memory resource. The memory is not dedicated to a specific table but can be dynamically allocated to different tables based on their aging requirements, making the memory resource universal and multi-functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic memory allocation where the embedded memory can be programmably assigned to different search tables as needed. The system can adaptively adjust which tables use the memory resource and for how long, rather than having fixed static allocation. This dynamic approach allows efficient utilization of limited memory while supporting flexible table aging requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If separate memory is allocated for each search table in prior art, then each table can be aged independently, but the overall memory resource efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory resource efficiencyVSAvoidtotal memory required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple dedicated memory allocations into a single shared embedded memory pool that serves all search tables. Instead of having separate memory for each table, the system combines these resources into one centralized pool that can be dynamically allocated, thereby improving overall memory efficiency and reducing the total memory quantity required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the memory allocation parameter from fixed per-table dedication to dynamic shared allocation. The system can programmably adjust memory assignment based on current needs, changing the state of memory resources from static to flexible, thereby optimizing productivity while reducing total memory requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If embedded memory is used for table aging in SOC designs, then area and power budget constraints are addressed, but the memory must be efficiently and flexibly utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechip area utilizationVSAvoidmemory flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic and flexible utilization of embedded memory through a centralized aging module that can programmably assign memory resources to different search tables as needed. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt to changing requirements while efficiently using the limited embedded memory area available in SOC designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The embedded memory is designed as a universal resource that can serve multiple search tables for aging purposes. The centralized module enables this memory to be flexibly allocated to different tables based on their specific needs, maximizing the utility of the limited chip area while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10216780B2Method and apparatus for table aging in a network switch

Publication Date: 2019.02.26 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a centralized table aging module that efficiently and flexibly utilizes an embedded memory resource, and that enables and facilitates separate network controllers. The centralized table aging module performs aging of tables in parallel using the embedded memory resource. The table aging module performs an age marking process and an age refreshing process. The memory resource includes age mark memory and age mask memory. Age marking is applied to the age mark memory. The age mask memory provides per-entry control granularity regarding the aging of table entries.