L4-L7 Switching Device Using Split Connections and Offloading NIC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network interface technologies face challenges in efficiently managing and switching network traffic across different protocols and environments, particularly in ensuring reliable data delivery and congestion control, especially in environments with varying network characteristics such as LAN, WAN, and wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
The integration of Layer-4 and Layer-7 switching functionalities into a combined L4-L7 switching device, which processes TCP and UDP protocols, enables efficient traffic management, protocol translation, and Quality of Service (QoS) to ensure reliable data delivery and adapt to different network conditions by switching and prioritizing traffic across connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a combined L4-L7 switching device is implemented to provide both layer-4 and layer-7 switching functionalities, then network traffic management efficiency and adaptability to different network conditions are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines layer-4 switching and layer-7 switching functionalities into a single integrated device. The switching device includes both a layer-4 switch component that performs TCP/UDP switching based on four-tuple information and a layer-7 switch component that performs application-layer switching based on HTTP/XML requests. This merging allows the system to handle multiple network protocols and switching requirements simultaneously, improving adaptability while managing complexity through unified architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle different network environments and protocols. It can perform standard TCP switching, UDP switching, HTTP request routing, and XML-based switching all within a single device. The device universally supports LAN, WAN, and wireless network characteristics, allowing it to adapt to varying network conditions without requiring separate specialized devices for each function.
2Productivity
If protocol processing and switching operations are performed at the network interface level, then processing speed and network efficiency are improved, but the complexity of network interface circuitry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface circuitry is segmented into distinct functional modules: a protocol processing module that handles TCP/UDP protocol operations, an HTTP processing module that handles application-layer protocols, and a switching module that routes traffic between connections. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in specific protocols while working together efficiently, improving processing speed without overwhelming the overall interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary switching mechanism that sits between the physical network interface and the protocol processing layers. This intermediary layer receives incoming packets, performs initial classification based on protocol type, and directs them to appropriate processing queues. By mediating between the interface and protocol handlers, it improves efficiency by preventing protocol-specific complexity from propagating throughout the entire interface circuitry.
3Reliability
If connection splitting and protocol translation are implemented to connect networks with different characteristics, then reliability of data delivery across heterogeneous networks is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device performs preliminary protocol analysis and connection establishment before actual data transfer begins. When connecting networks with different characteristics (e.g., LAN to wireless), the device pre-configures protocol translations, establishes appropriate TCP connections, and sets up buffering mechanisms in advance. This preliminary action ensures reliable data delivery across heterogeneous networks while minimizing processing overhead during the actual data transfer phase, as the complex protocol handling is completed beforehand.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating intelligent network interface circuitry includes the network interface circuitry coupling a core processor to a network to facilitate communication over the network between the core processor and at least a first peer and a second peer. A first connection connects to the first peer and a second connection connects to the second peer. The network interface circuitry receives data packets from the first peer via the network on the first connection, according to a first particular protocol. The network interface circuitry processes the received data, including associating, with the second connection, data that is at least a portion of the data packets received on the first connection, such that the data received by the intelligent network interface circuitry on the first connection is switched to be outgoing from the intelligent network interface circuitry on the second connection, according to a second particular protocol.