Configurable Logic Device Packet Capture Buffer Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing solutions for content-aware network devices are inadequate, as they fail to rigorously test performance and security under real-world conditions, especially at line speeds, and do not adequately simulate realistic application workloads and security attacks, leading to deployment challenges and potential failures.
Innovation Solution
A network testing system that includes a configurable logic device (CLD) configured to manage packet capture and generation, simulate realistic traffic, and perform security testing, using a method that involves maintaining a buffer tail pointer to efficiently manage packet storage and processing in a circular packet buffer, enabling high-speed, high-resolution network packet capture and measurement, application-level simulation, and security analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional testing tools are used to test content-aware network devices, then the testing process is simple and quick, but the testing cannot rigorously evaluate performance and security under real-world conditions at line speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is divided into multiple functional modules including packet capture subsystem, traffic generation subsystem, simulation subsystem, and measurement subsystem. Each module handles specific testing tasks independently, allowing comprehensive testing of content-aware network devices under various conditions without overwhelming complexity in a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a configurable logic device (CLD) as an intermediary component that manages packet capture, traffic generation, and simulation functions. The CLD acts as a mediator between different testing subsystems, coordinating operations and managing resources to enable rigorous testing while maintaining system organization and reducing overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy testing solutions focus on IP network connection testing, then the testing approach is established and straightforward, but it cannot properly test content-aware/DPI-capable devices with Layers 4-7 controls
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various testing scenarios including IP network testing, content-aware networking testing, deep packet inspection testing, and application-level simulation. The same platform can adapt to test different network devices and protocols across multiple layers, providing universal testing capability without requiring separate specialized tools for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where test parameters, traffic patterns, and simulation scenarios can be adjusted in real-time. The system can dynamically adapt its testing approach based on the specific device being tested and the conditions to be evaluated, enabling versatile testing of content-aware devices while managing complexity through flexible rather than fixed functionality.
3Reliability
If content-aware networking controls for Layers 4-7 are implemented, then network optimization and security are improved, but testing of these layers remains insufficient compared to traditional Layers 2-3 testing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring test scenarios, traffic patterns, and simulation conditions before actual testing begins. Test cases are prepared in advance with defined parameters for content-aware networking at Layers 4-7, allowing efficient and comprehensive testing without time-consuming setup during execution, thus improving testing productivity while maintaining thorough coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system combines multiple testing techniques and methodologies into a unified composite approach that simultaneously tests content-aware networking functionality at various layers. By integrating packet capture, traffic generation, simulation, and measurement capabilities work together, the system achieves both comprehensive coverage of Layers 4-7 and maintained testing efficiency through coordinated operation of composite testing elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing the capture of packets in a computing system comprises maintaining a buffer tail pointer in a memory of an instruction executing device, receiving a series of packets at an instruction executing device, for each received packet prepending a header comprising a packet length and a packet pointer set to a current value of the buffer tail pointer, determining a next free memory location by adding the current value of the buffer tail pointer to the length of a previous packet identified by the buffer tail pointer, temporarily writing the packet and prepend header to the next free memory location in a circular packet buffer in a memory coupled to the instruction executing device, and setting the buffer tail pointer to the next free memory location.