Time-Synchronized Transport Layer for Distributed Node Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distributed computing networks face challenges in maintaining high throughput and reliability due to error-prone nature, leading to increased packet retransmissions and reduced link utilization.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a time-synchronized transport layer (TSL) protocol that employs Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) and fine-grain time synchronization to synchronize nodes and schedule data transmissions, eliminating retransmissions and optimizing link utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If packet retransmission schemes are implemented to ensure message integrity in error-prone distributed computing networks, then reliability is improved, but throughput is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage integrityVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication process into distinct time slots within a structured frame format, separating data transmission from acknowledgment and retransmission operations. This segmentation allows for organized error handling without continuous retransmission overhead, resolving the contradiction between reliability and throughput by scheduling communications in discrete, non-conflicting time intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through fixed communication cycles with predetermined time slots for transmission, acknowledgment, and potential retransmission. This periodic structure creates predictable communication patterns that optimize link utilization while maintaining reliability through systematic error handling at designated intervals rather than continuous retransmission attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If time synchronization and scheduling are implemented to optimize link utilization, then throughput is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink utilizationVSAvoidsynchronization overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a communication frame structure that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries data, provides timing synchronization, manages acknowledgments, and coordinates retransmissions. This multi-functional approach improves link utilization without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single standardized frame format handles diverse communication needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing flexible configuration of time slot durations, frame intervals, and synchronization periods based on specific network conditions and requirements. This adaptability enables optimization of link utilization for different workloads while managing complexity through parameter adjustment rather than structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4055800B1Systems and methods for nodes communicating using a time-synchronized transport layer
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP4055800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4055800B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4055800B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods that provide for transmission of messages among nodes (e.g., acceleration components configurable to accelerate a service) using a time-synchronized transport layer (TSL) protocol are provided. An example method, in a network comprising at least a first node, a second node, and a third node, includes each of the at least the first node, the second node, and the third node synchronizing a respective clock to a common clock. The method further includes each of the at least the first node, the second node, and the third node scheduling data transmission in the network in a manner such that at a particular time in reference to the common clock each of the at least the first node, the second node, and the third node is scheduled to receive data from only one of the first node, the second node, or the third node.