IP Packet Indexing via Time-Based Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packet capture techniques struggle with high-speed, high-volume network traffic, leading to inefficient storage, resource-intensive operations, and challenges in retrieving specific IP packets due to lack of systematic organization and clear naming conventions, particularly in PCAP file formats.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for indexing IP packets using a processor and data structures, including a ring buffer, to efficiently store and retrieve packets based on timestamps and time intervals, optimizing storage and retrieval processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional packet capture techniques store IP packets in PCAP file format, then packets can be captured and stored, but storage becomes resource-intensive and retrieval of specific packets becomes inefficient due to lack of systematic organization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous stream of IP packets into discrete time-based units (e.g., 1-second intervals) and organizes them into a hierarchical file structure. Each time interval has its own file with clearly defined naming conventions, allowing efficient segmentation of large packet volumes into manageable, retrievable units without overwhelming storage resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to packet storage by organizing packets according to their arrival time intervals. This creates a multi-dimensional storage structure where packets can be accessed not only by file location but also by time-based queries, enabling efficient retrieval of packets from specific time periods without scanning entire storage volumes.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional techniques store continuous stream of IP packets without indexing, then all packets can be captured, but specific packets associated with time intervals or network sessions cannot be efficiently retrieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating an index structure at the time of packet storage rather than attempting to index after storage. The hierarchical file naming convention and metadata are established upfront based on time intervals and network session identifiers, enabling immediate and efficient retrieval without requiring post-processing indexing operations.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If PCAP files grow rapidly with time, then more packets can be stored, but disk space requirements increase substantially and I/O operations become more intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous growth of packet data into discrete time-based files (e.g., one file per second). This prevents any single file from growing excessively large, thereby reducing the I/O overhead associated with reading and writing massive files. Each segmented file can be independently managed, accessed, and optimized without affecting the entire storage system.
4Speed
If conventional packet capture techniques are used in high-speed networks transmitting at 10 gigabits per second and beyond, then network traffic can be captured, but the techniques struggle to cope with such high data rates and strain storage system resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares storage structures in advance with predefined hierarchical naming conventions and metadata schemas before high-speed packet arrival. This preliminary organization allows the storage system to immediately write incoming packets at high speeds without requiring complex real-time decision-making about file creation, naming, or organization, thereby reducing storage system complexity while maintaining high transmission speed capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for indexing Internet Protocol (IP) packets receives, at a first timestamp, a first IP packet of a first network session of a set of network sessions. The system determines a first metadata of the first network session that includes a first set of data structures associated with the first IP packet. Using a second set of data structures, the system determines a first identifier associated with a first data structure of a third set of data structures. The system also stores first payload information associated with the first IP packet in the first data structure. The system also receives a second IP packet associated with the first network session at a second timestamp. The system also stores second payload information associated with the second IP packet in either the first data structure or a second data structure.