Extensible Network Forwarding Platform for Edge Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current edge network devices are a hodgepodge of disparate solutions from different vendors, leading to high setup and operational costs, inflexibility, and packet examination delays, especially for real-time data, due to fixed functionality and lack of dynamic reconfiguration capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A single network platform that hosts multiple packet processing applications from different vendors, featuring programmable service cards and I/O cards, allowing dynamic reconfiguration and flexible routing of packets based on characteristics, enabling efficient integration of various functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disparate edge devices from different vendors are used to provide various network functions, then the network can achieve comprehensive functionality (virus detection, firewall, flow replication, etc.), but the device complexity and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple disparate network functions (virus detection, firewall, flow replication, traffic monitoring) from different vendors into a single integrated network device. This consolidation merges previously separate hardware and software components into one unified platform, reducing the number of individual devices while maintaining comprehensive network functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated network device is designed to perform multiple network functions simultaneously through a universal platform that can host various network applications and services. The device includes multiple network interface cards and programmable processors that can be configured to execute different network functions, making it a multi-functional solution that replaces several specialized devices.
2Reliability
If packets are examined by multiple types of equipment for different purposes (malware, DDoS, firewalls, routing), then comprehensive security and analysis are achieved, but the packet examination delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple packet examination functions (malware detection, DDoS protection, firewall filtering, routing) into a single integrated device that can perform all these functions simultaneously on the same packet flow. This eliminates the sequential processing delays that occur when packets must pass through multiple separate devices, as all examination functions are now co-located and can operate in parallel or coordinated fashion within one device.
3Reliability
If fixed functionality devices are used at the network edge, then device simplicity and reliability are maintained, but the flexibility to dynamically reprogram and adapt to different packet types is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capabilities in the integrated network device through programmable processors and configurable network interface cards. The device can dynamically adapt its behavior based on packet characteristics, allowing different processing paths for different packet types (e.g., high-priority packets can bypass certain analysis stages). This dynamic behavior is controlled through programmable logic that can be reconfigured without replacing hardware components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If disparate vendor solutions are interconnected at the network edge, then comprehensive network services are provided, but the total cost of purchase, operation, and management soars
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple vendor-specific network devices into a single integrated platform, eliminating the need to purchase, operate, and maintain separate hardware devices from different vendors. This merger reduces capital expenditure on hardware and operational expenditure on power consumption, cooling, and physical space requirements while maintaining comprehensive network services.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device provides universal support for multiple network services through a common platform that can execute various network applications. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing both purchase costs and ongoing operational costs including energy consumption and management overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform for seamlessly hosts a plurality of disparate types of packet processing applications. One or more applications are loaded onto a service card on the platform. A programmable path structure is included that maps a logical path for processing of the packets through one or more of the plurality of service cards according to characteristics of the packets. Multiple path structures may be programmed into the platform to offer different service paths for different types of packets.