Dynamic Object Parser for Network Protocol Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network protocol analysis tools are inflexible and require software developers to create new plug-ins for custom protocol changes, limiting user customization and efficiency in processing network protocol messages.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically generate and execute machine-executable object parsers based on protocol definitions, allowing for dynamic updates to communication protocols without requiring software application updates or custom source code, by creating a machine-executable object parser when a new protocol definition is received, which can parse data elements within data objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If protocol parsing source code is compiled into pre-compiled plug-ins, then processing speed is improved, but flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid architecture where the core parser framework is pre-compiled for high performance, while protocol definitions are loaded dynamically at runtime. This allows the system to maintain fast processing speeds while enabling flexible protocol updates without recompilation, directly resolving the contradiction between speed and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the parsing system into two independent components: a compiled parser engine that provides high-speed processing, and separate protocol definition files that can be independently modified. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together, achieving both speed and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol definition is parsed each time a message is received, then flexibility is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-compiles the parser engine and pre-loads protocol definitions into memory before message processing begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for repeated parsing operations during message handling, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining full flexibility through the loaded protocol definitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates in-memory copies of protocol definitions that can be rapidly accessed during message processing without requiring disk I/O or re-parsing. These cached copies provide both fast access speeds and the ability to reflect protocol updates when re-loaded, resolving the time-flexibility tradeoff.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom protocol changes are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables end users to define and modify their own protocols using a simplified configuration format without requiring access to source code or deep technical knowledge. The system automatically compiles these user-defined protocols into usable format, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for developer intervention for custom protocol support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate protocol definition language that sits between user-friendly configuration and the underlying compiled parser. This intermediary layer allows users to specify custom protocols in a simple format while the system handles the complex compilation and integration automatically, reducing perceived complexity for users.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for use in applying an update to a communication protocol in a software application that is executed by a computing device are described herein. The computing device receives a protocol definition corresponding to a communication protocol and indicating positions of data elements within data objects corresponding to the communication protocol. When the computing device determines that the received protocol definition differs from a previous protocol definition corresponding to the communication protocol, the computing device creates a machine-executable object parser based on the received protocol definition. The machine-executable object parser is accessible to a software application executed by the computing device. The software application receives a data object corresponding to the communication protocol, and the computing device executes the machine-executable object parser to parse at least a portion of the data elements in the data object received by the software application.