Method for pacing multi-rate time sensitive traffic on ethernet and bridge connected networks

Abstract

A system and method for delaying packet transmissions within source devices and network bridges for the purpose of reducing the worst-case delays associated with forwarding of time-sensitive packets through a bridged network. The minimal bridged network system include a first device node attached to a first network link, a second device node attached to a second network link, and a bridge connecting the first network link to the second network link. The method and system includes shaping the traffic within a source device or bridge (shaping involves spreading bunched packets over time). Within a bridge, shaping occurs at each output port of the bridge, applying a distinct shaper to the traffic coming from each of the input ports, as well as distinct shapers for the distinct traffic class coming each of the input ports. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the present invention ensures small latencies when passing through network bridges, regardless of the network topology or other concurrent data-packet transfers, subject to the restriction that the cumulative time-sensitive bandwidth flowing through any link is less than the prenegotiated rate below that of the link's cumulative bandwidth capacity.