Multi-NIC Network Device Traffic Processing Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems face challenges in efficiently managing and processing increasing network traffic while maintaining Quality of Service (QoS) and security with limited bandwidth, requiring flexible and high-speed traffic inspection and control.
Innovation Solution
A network device employing multiple network interface cards (NICs) for traffic classification, filtering, and inspection, with a processor managing policies and memory storing these policies, allowing for efficient traffic engineering and configuration according to user requirements without the need for additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single network card performs all traffic processing functions, then device complexity is reduced, but processing speed and capability deteriorate due to functional overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides traffic processing into separate functional modules: a first network card dedicated to high-speed traffic classification and filtering, and a second network card dedicated to inspection and engineering. This segmentation allows each card to specialize in specific functions, improving overall processing speed and capability while managing complexity through functional separation.
2Productivity
If traffic classification and filtering are performed at high speed, then productivity improves, but the load on network interface cards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary component that manages network policies and coordinates the operations of multiple network cards. This intermediary distributes the processing load appropriately, enabling high-speed traffic classification while preventing any single network interface card from becoming overloaded.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network cards are used for specialized functions, then traffic engineering capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal management approach where a single processor handles policy management, load balancing, and coordination for multiple network cards with different specialized functions. This universal management layer abstracts the complexity of having multiple specialized cards, providing versatile traffic engineering capability while managing device complexity through centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing traffic using a multi-network interface card and a network device employing the method are provided. The network device includes a first network card configured to classify and filter traffic, a second network card configured to inspect and process the traffic classified by the first network card, a processor configured to manage the first and second network cards and apply network policies to the first and second network cards, respectively, and a memory configured to store the network policies.