Frame Capture Managing Module for Ethernet Packet Tap Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Ethernet-based computer networks, troubleshooting and packet analysis require physical installation of packet taps, which is costly and time-consuming, as they need to be placed close to switches and servers for effective traffic capture and analysis.

Innovation Solution

A method and switch configuration that dynamically create a packet tap at any network interface using a Frame Capture Managing Module, allowing for remote configuration and filtering of Ethernet frames, enabling on-demand packet analytics without the need for physical equipment installation or site visits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If packet taps are physically installed at network interfaces for traffic capture, then packet analysis capability is improved, but installation cost and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket analysis capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the packet tap functionality through software configuration rather than physical hardware installation. The Frame Capture Managing Module generates configuration data that enables switches to perform packet capture and forwarding functions that traditionally required dedicated physical packet tap devices, thereby eliminating the need for physical installation while maintaining packet analysis capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical installation process with an automated software-based configuration system. Instead of physically connecting packet taps to network interfaces, the system uses electronic configuration data transmitted through the network to programmatically enable packet capture and forwarding capabilities on switches, substituting manual mechanical installation with automated software deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If packet taps are physically installed close to switches for effective traffic capture, then traffic capture effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic capture effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing switches perform multiple functions - both their original switching function and the additional packet capture/forwarding function. By configuring switches to act as virtual packet taps, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated packet tap devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining traffic capture effectiveness through the switches' existing network position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables switches to automatically perform packet capture and forwarding based on received configuration data without requiring external packet tap devices. The switches themselves provide the packet tap functionality they traditionally required external devices to enable, thereby simplifying the system architecture by removing dedicated capture equipment while maintaining capture effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If dedicated packet capture equipment is deployed for each analysis location, then packet analysis capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket analysis capabilityVSAvoidequipment quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables existing switches to serve dual purposes - their original network switching function and packet capture/forwarding function. This eliminates the need to deploy separate dedicated packet tap equipment at each analysis location, reducing the total quantity of hardware equipment required while maintaining packet analysis capability through software-based configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the packet capture and forwarding functionality into the existing switch infrastructure rather than using separate dedicated devices. By combining multiple functions into a single device (the switch), the system reduces the overall quantity of equipment needed while maintaining the ability to perform packet analysis at multiple locations through software configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11362927B2Methods, switch and frame capture managing module for managing ethernet frames

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A switch and a Frame Capture Managing Module (FCMM) for managing Ethernet frames. The FCMM receives a request for capturing Ethernet frames at a network interface of the switch. The request comprises an identity of the network interface and information relating to a second filter indicating Ethernet frames for monitoring by the network node. The FCMM sends to the switch, a configuration comprising the identity of the network interface of the switch, an indication about a first multicast channel, and information relating to a first filter. The FCMM sends a response comprising a second multicast channel relating to the first multicast channel. Furthermore, the switch receives a request for receiving Ethernet frame sent to the first multicast channel. The switch filters, by use of the first filter, received Ethernet frames into a collection of Ethernet frames. The switch sends the collection of Ethernet frames on the first multicast channel.