Multi-bit Trie Network Search Engine Pipeline Memory Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-bit trie network search engines lack the throughput and flexibility required for high-performance networks, as they struggle with dynamic prefix distributions and inefficient memory management.
Innovation Solution
A multi-bit trie network search engine is implemented using pipeline logic units and a set of memory blocks with a meshed crossbar, allowing for variable termination points and dynamic memory allocation, enabling efficient route insertion, deletion, and search operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multi-bit trie algorithm is used with traditional memory structures, then data compression is improved, but throughput is insufficient for high-performance networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the routing table into multiple segments stored in different memory blocks, with pipeline logic units processing different segments in parallel. This segmentation enables multiple search operations to proceed simultaneously through different memory blocks, dramatically increasing throughput while preserving the compression efficiency of the multi-bit trie algorithm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic memory allocation where memory blocks can be dynamically assigned to different pipeline logic units based on routing table characteristics and search patterns. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to varying throughput requirements and optimize performance for different network conditions while maintaining compression efficiency.
2Device complexity
If fixed memory allocation is used in pipeline logic units, then simplicity is improved, but flexibility is reduced for handling dynamic prefix distributions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic memory allocation where memory blocks can be dynamically assigned to different pipeline logic units based on routing table characteristics and search patterns. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to varying throughput requirements and optimize performance for different network conditions while maintaining compression efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal memory architecture where memory blocks can serve multiple pipeline logic units and can be dynamically reconfigured for different functions. The same memory blocks can be allocated to different pipeline stages based on current network requirements, providing both simplicity through standardized memory structures and flexibility through dynamic allocation.
3Productivity
If one memory access per pipeline logic unit is implemented, then throughput is improved, but memory management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-managing memory allocation system where the controller automatically monitors memory block usage and performs dynamic allocation and deallocation without external intervention. The system self-adjusts memory distribution among pipeline logic units based on current routing table characteristics, reducing the burden on external memory management while maintaining high throughput performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors memory access patterns and performance metrics, then dynamically adjusts memory block allocation to optimize throughput. This feedback-driven approach allows the system to automatically adapt to changing network conditions and maintain optimal performance without complex external memory management.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-bit trie network search engine is implemented by a number of pipeline logic units corresponding to the number of longest-prefix strides and a set of memory blocks for holding prefix tables. Each pipeline logic unit is limited to one memory access, and the termination point within the pipeline logic unit chain is variable to handle different length prefixes. The memory blocks are coupled to the pipeline logic units with a meshed crossbar and form a set of virtual memory banks, where memory blocks within any given physical memory bank may be allocated to a virtual memory bank for any particular pipeline logic unit. An embedded programmable processor manages route insertion and deletion in the prefix tables, together with configuration of the virtual memory banks.