Layer-2 to Layer-7 Search Engine for High-Speed Network Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network technologies face challenges in efficiently managing and routing data packets across multiple layers (2-7) in high-speed networks, requiring complex design and resource-intensive protocols to maintain high-speed data transfer while being cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A layer-2 to layer-7 search engine apparatus and method that includes a media access controller, packet parser, protocol search engines, search resolution engine, and packet modifier to parse, search, and modify data packets based on a protocol matching rule table, enabling hardware-based forwarding without CPU resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hardware-based multi-layer switching is implemented to achieve high-speed data transfer, then network speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing function into distinct modules: a packet parser that extracts layer 2-7 information, protocol search engines that search for matches in rule tables, and a packet modifier that applies actions. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently at hardware speed while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements protocol matching rule tables that are pre-configured with forwarding rules for multiple protocols. When a packet arrives, the hardware search engines immediately search these pre-prepared tables without requiring CPU intervention, enabling high-speed processing while keeping the rule management complexity separate from the data path.
2Speed
If protocol matching rule tables are used to enable fast forwarding decisions, then forwarding speed is improved, but memory resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential matching fields from packets (layer 2-7 information) and compares them against protocol matching rule tables stored in hardware. This extraction approach allows fast matching without requiring the entire packet to be processed, reducing memory bandwidth requirements while maintaining high forwarding speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocol search engines operate in parallel to handle different protocols, then protocol handling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements protocol search engines that can handle multiple protocols (layer 2-7) through a unified hardware architecture. The search engines search protocol matching rule tables that contain rules for various protocols, allowing a single hardware structure to perform multiple protocol matching functions without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
High-speed networking application equipments with a layer-2 to layer-7 hardware search engine and method are with flexibility and performance improvement. The multi-layer switches/routers, network address translation (NAT) gateway, firewall/VPN router and network attached storage (NAS) may use the search engine for fast and efficient search requirement.