Bi-modal control system and method for partitioning a shared output buffer in a connection-oriented network connections device
AssigneeNetwork Equipment Technologies, Inc.
InventorsJames P. Scott, Edward G. Cavasian
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A bi-modal network connection device provides a high level of adaptability to changing connection-level loading patterns without sacrificing speed and configurability. The device can function in both a static mode and a traffic-adaptive mode. Benefits include the ability to provide high buffer utilization and throughput in ATM networks which either have very dynamic connection-level statistics or have poorly understood traffic characterization, plus the ability to assure users of minimal latency delays if desired.
Claims20
A method for self-configuration of a switch, the switch including a plurality of input ports, the input ports including characteristics that define a hierarchy of data traffic classes, the method comprising:
- estimating an ambient load based on characteristics for a number of connections for an input port in the plurality of input ports;
- calculating a partition boundary for a buffer based on the estimated ambient load and a data traffic class associated with the input port;
- and
- configuring the partition boundary in the buffer according to the calculation, wherein the configuration of the partition boundary sets an amount of data the buffer can store for a first data traffic class in the hierarchy of data traffic classes;
- and
- dynamically re-configuring the partition boundary in the buffer to adapt to changes in the ambient load.
A self-configuring switch including a plurality of input ports, the input ports including characteristics that define a hierarchy of data traffic classes, the switch comprising:
- a shared output buffer for storing data of a first level of priority and data of a second level of priority;
- an estimator configured to estimate an ambient load based on characteristics for a number of connections for an input port in the plurality of ports;
- a calculator configured to calculate a partition boundary for the shared output buffer based on the estimated ambient load and a data traffic class associated with the input port;
- and
- a controller configured to configure the partition boundary in the buffer according to the calculation, wherein the configuration of the partition boundary sets an amount of data the buffer can store for a first data traffic class in the hierarchy of data traffic classes, wherein the partition boundary in the buffer is dynamically re-configured to adapt to changes in the ambient load.
A method for managing data traffic in a switch, the data traffic classified in a hierarchy, the hierarchy including at least a first level and a second level, the method comprising:
- determining a threshold that is used to set a partition in a shared output buffer, the partition dividing a storage area in the shared output buffer between data in the first level and data in the second level thereby designating a maximum amount of data in the first level the shared output buffer can store;
- as connections are added or deleted, estimating a load on the shared output buffer for data traffic of the first level for one or more connections based on traffic parameters associated with the one or more connections;
- and
- configuring a partition in the shared output buffer to a position that decreases or increases an amount of data of the first level the shared output buffer can store depending on the load estimated.
A method for managing data traffic in a switch, the method comprising:
- providing a first operating mode for the switch, the first operating mode allowing the switch to operate in a static mode, the static mode allowing a static partition in a buffer to be used;
- providing a second operating mode for the switch, the second operating mode allowing the switch to operate in an adaptive mode, the adaptive mode allowing an adaptive partition in the buffer to be used;
- and
- providing a mechanism to allow switching between the first operating mode and the second operating mode in the switch.
A switch for managing data traffic, the switch comprising:
- a first operating mode for the switch, the first operating mode allowing the switch to operate in a static mode, the static mode allowing a static partition in a buffer to be used;
- a second operating mode for the switch, the second operating mode allowing the switch to operate in an adaptive mode, the adaptive mode allowing an adaptive partition in the buffer to be used;
- and
- a mechanism to allow the switching between the first operating mode and the second operating mode in the switch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.