Flow control with reduced buffer usage for network devices

摘要

Methods and apparatus for implementing flow control with reduced buffer usage for network devices. In response to detection of flow control events, transmission of a data unit or segment such as an Ethernet frame is preempted in favor of a flow control message, resulting in aborting transmission of the frame. Data corresponding to the entirety of the frame is buffered at the transmitting station until the frame has been transmitted (or after a delay), enabling retransmission of the aborted frame. Preemption of frames in favor of flow control messages results in earlier responses to flow control events, enabling the size of buffers to be reduced.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
initiating transmission of a first Ethernet frame from a first station to a second station via an Ethernet link coupled between the first and second stations; receiving Ethernet frames transmitted from the second station to the first station via the Ethernet link; detecting a first flow control event at the first station while the first Ethernet frame is being transmitted; and in response thereto,
aborting transmission of the first Ethernet frame;sending a first flow control message from the first station to the second station requesting the second station to pause sending data via the Ethernet link; andretransmitting the first Ethernet frame from the first station to the second station.