Indeed, I recognize all issues you mentioned
with occupation map. It is a raw idea and needs work to hash out details
and realize all limitations. My general feeling, not supported by any research
so far, is that if we limit number of latency-bound streams to a manageable
number it could work.
I would be very interested to peek into
ATM designs - this is a new area for me. I would hate spending my time
on inventing yet another bicycle :)
Can you recommend some good references
to read on ATM?
Thanks in advance,
Max.
"Gross, Kevin"
<kevin.gross@CIRRUS.COM>
09/27/2005 01:21 PM
Please respond to
"Gross, Kevin" <kevin.gross@CIRRUS.COM>
To
STDS-802-3-RE@listserv.ieee.org
cc
Subject
Re: [RE] On worst-case latency for Ethernet
networks and alternat ive shaping concept
Max,
Thanks for your contributions.
Your proof on worst case latency appears to be sound. Subtracting best
case from worst case latency gives us a measure of latency variation (dv).
My algebraic derivation of that is dv=(n-1)Nt. Latency variation is an
important metric that tells us how much buffering is required at receivers.
You occupation map is an interesting
idea. I’m sure we all recognize that the synchronization accuracy requirement
dictates special hardware to time transmissions. One con with this scheme
that you’ve not mentioned is that the dynamic nature of the occupation
map problem needs to be considered. It’s fine to examine the map and time
your transmissions appropriately. Once begun, your own transmissions will
alter the occupation map in ways that may be difficult to predict. This
effect has the potential to turn this into a recursive problem with potential
stability issues. Furthermore you’ll probably need to reevaluate your
transmission timing whenever the occupation map changes – i.e. anyone
else stops or starts transmitting. In the time between the changes and
your response to them, network performance will suffer and data may be
lost.
If we want to continue down
this road on pacing and traffic shaping, I suggest the group spend some
time reviewing the history of ATM development and deployment. We’re trying
to solve the same problems here in the same general way.
Kevin
From: Max Azarov [mailto:Max.Azarov@SMSC.COM]
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2005 9:27 AM
To: STDS-802-3-RE@listserv.ieee.org
Subject: [RE] On worst-case latency for Ethernet networks and alternative
shaping concept
Gents,
on our previous call somebody (I believe it was Geoff) have expressed a
desire to have an exact worst-case latency formula. Since I couldn't find
anything readily available on the topic, I've took up on an exercise in
algebra and formal logic to come up with the formula. Please see the link
to the document with formula and the proof.
I also sensed the general agreement that it would be beneficial to
come up with alternatives to "shaping" as it is proposed at the
moment.
While studying the subject it would appear that such solution is possible
to get. In particular I would suggest a synchronized network access, which
can also be called "orchestra"-concept.
In essence idea is that all nodes use precisely synchronized wall clock
to orchestrate a predictable network access, thus making is possible to
reduce latencies to the levels well below suggested in the attached paper.
Very similar to orchestra which has to tune for the same frequency and
tempo in order to play a piece, end-nodes and routers "tune"
onto the same time/schedule before than can play a melody... well, provide
predictable propagation delay in our case.
When reserving a path end node would look at the topology and "occupation
map" along the communication route to determine latency it can be
expecting. This "occupation map" would essentially consist of
time-slots and number of streams passing through this output port at this
slot. Each router/output port has such map and client can access it. Using
this information client can determine its own transmission schedule producing
the least latency (most empty slots) and decide whether this is satisfactory
for its purposes.
Essentially this is a fusion between a conventional isochronous access
arbitration and conventional best-effort absence of arbitration with compromises
made to achieve a simple router design. Obviously number of details need
to be worked out, such as interaction between streams occupying the same
time slot on given the switch/output port and between neighboring slots.
Pros:
1) No changes are need in traffic routing algorithms. All burden of arbitration
is distributed to end-points.
2) Deterministic latency guarantees are possible.
Cons:
1) Limited scalability. Here we need to acknowledge that scalability for
ResE is not a prime target. We have to sacrifice something to get a cheap
router.
2) Relatively precise time synchronization (probably within 10s of microseconds)
has to occur before latency-bound traffic is possible.
This is another
compromise that has to be made. I think that it may be acceptable to expect
real-time traffic service hick-ups when backbone configuration changes
(i.e. clock-master is disconnected). Even local buses such as IEE1394 require
bus reset under certain topology changes.
3) Assumes that routers have high degree of determinism in routing traffic
(SW routers will not do).
In addition, we could use lower 802.1 priority for traffic which is not
overly sensitive to the latency, i.e. traffic which is OK with worst-case
figures. I'd imagine that stored video playback and even life TV would
be good candidates.
Feedback on both paper and "orchestra" concept would be greatly
appreciated!