Compiler for Decoding Communication Packets Using Self-Describing Schemas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decoding data packets in multi-layered communication networks is tedious and error-prone due to the need for manual tracking of absolute locations and calculations of field offsets, especially when dealing with various packet formats and protocols, which complicates the process of extracting specific information in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A method using ALTERNATIVE statements with signatures and SCHEMA definitions to automatically track field locations and lengths, allowing for a decision tree-based approach to decode packets without requiring manual offset calculations, and utilizing a compiler to generate efficient runtime programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tracking of absolute locations and field offsets is used to decode packets, then decoding accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-describing packet formats where each layer contains metadata about its own structure, length, and location of the next layer. The decoding program automatically reads these descriptors to navigate the packet structure without manual offset tracking, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating tedious manual calculations while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer of structured descriptors and metadata that mediates between the raw packet data and the decoding logic. These intermediaries (field descriptors, length indicators, type markers) provide structured information that automates the navigation process, reducing errors while preserving decoding precision
2Measurement precision
If custom programs are written for each packet format to maintain decoding accuracy, then decoding precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal decoding framework that can handle multiple packet formats through a common architecture. The system uses standardized descriptor structures and metadata formats that work across different protocols and packet types, allowing a single program to decode various formats without requiring custom code for each format while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the packet structure into standardized layers with consistent metadata descriptors. Each layer is described using a uniform format with fields for length, type, and location information, allowing the decoding program to process different packet formats through a segmented, modular approach rather than requiring monolithic custom programs for each format
3Productivity
If real-time decoding is implemented to meet processing requirements, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of tracking field locations automatically increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization of packet data by pre-parsing and storing metadata descriptors, field lengths, and location information in structured formats during packet reception. This preliminary action prepares the data in advance, allowing the decoding process to proceed rapidly in real-time without complex runtime calculations, as the navigation information is already organized and readily accessible
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a data processing system to extract information from a record is disclosed. The method includes defining a plurality of ALTERNATIVE statements. Each ALTERNATIVE statement includes a label that identifies that ALTERNATIVE statement, a Signature that defines a test that is to be performed on a field in the data record defined by a first window, and a NEXT statement that defines a different ALTERNATIVE statement and a second window for testing by that different ALTERNATIVE statement. In one aspect of the invention, the test includes a regular expression that is to match the field. The method defines a SCHEMA statement that defines a plurality of fields within the record. One of the defined fields includes an offset defining a location in the record, a field name, and a field length. The offset and/or the field length are computed by the data processing system.