Virtual Network Adapter QoS Reservation for Time-Critical Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing standards for time-sensitive networks (TSNs) provide little support for control applications implemented using container virtualization, leading to high costs and increased commissioning and maintenance efforts due to the need for integrating complex end-device software stacks.
Innovation Solution
A method for transmitting time-critical data using sequence control components within a communication network, where each component is assigned a virtual network adapter, with a queue control unit dynamically allocating host resources and a reservation module reserving network resources based on quality-of-service requirements, eliminating the need for integrating software stacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is transmitted through multiple network elements (routers, switches, bridges) to reach the destination, then the data can be routed through available network paths, but the transmission delay increases and time-critical data may arrive too late
Solution Approach 1:
The network path is segmented into two distinct types: a reserved fast path for time-critical data and a standard path for non-time-critical data. This segmentation allows time-critical packets to bypass multiple network elements and travel directly from source to destination, eliminating routing delays while maintaining network flexibility for other traffic types.
Solution Approach 2:
A fast path is pre-established and reserved between source and destination nodes before time-critical data needs to be transmitted. This preliminary action ensures that when time-critical data arrives, an optimized transmission path is already available, eliminating the need for real-time path selection and reducing transmission delay.
2Device complexity
If all data packets are treated equally and routed through the same network elements, then the network routing logic is simple, but time-critical data cannot be prioritized and arrives with the same delay as non-critical data
Solution Approach 1:
Different quality of service (QoS) characteristics are applied to different data packets based on their priority. Time-critical packets are assigned to the fast path with guaranteed low delay, while non-time-critical packets use the standard path. This local differentiation of service quality allows the network to meet diverse requirements without requiring complex routing logic for every packet.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism (the dual-path architecture with fast and standard paths) that mediates between simple routing logic and reliable time-critical data delivery. The fast path acts as a dedicated intermediary channel that guarantees timely delivery for priority packets without requiring complex real-time routing decisions.
3Loss of time
If a dedicated fast path is reserved for time-critical data, then transmission delay is reduced, but network resources are consumed that could be used for other data traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The fast path resource allocation is dynamic rather than static. The reserved fast path capacity can be adjusted based on the actual demand for time-critical data transmission. When time-critical traffic is high, more resources are allocated to the fast path; when it is low, resources can be reallocated to the standard path for general traffic, optimizing overall network resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reserving excessive network resources for the fast path, the invention allocates just enough capacity to handle time-critical traffic requirements. This partial action approach ensures that the fast path has sufficient resources to meet delay requirements without unnecessarily consuming network capacity that could be used for other traffic during periods of low time-critical demand.
Data Source
AI summary
For the transmission of time-critical data within a communication network from or to control applications that are each provided by means of at least one flow control component (131-133) that can be charged on a flow control environment (112) provided on a host (100), and can be executed there, at least one virtual network adapter (121-123) is assigned to each of the flow control components. To reserve resources for sending or transmitting data streams comprising time-critical data, the flow control components send in each case a reservation order (11) to a reservation model assigned to the flow control environment (130). In accordance with assigned quality-of-service requirements, the reservation module sends in each case a reservation request (12a) or reservation confirmation (12b) to forwarding communication devices (201-203) or a higher-level control unit (210). Furthermore, the reservation module authorises the queue control unit to grant the virtual network adapter access to send/receive queues of a physical network adapter in accordance with a priority assigned to the quality-of-service requirements.