Multi-tiered Packet Processing for Network Latency Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As network traffic increases, existing systems face challenges in efficiently directing packet flows to appropriate processing elements while conducting data analysis, leading to delays and degradation in service quality, especially for critical applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tiered packet processing system that parses data flows to identify OSI layer 2-4 characteristics, compares them to a database, and directs packet flows to appropriate processing elements based on matches, with optional deep packet inspection using keyword and semantic analysis for non-matching flows, and updates associations for future packet flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complete data frame analysis is performed for packet inspection, then detection precision is improved, but processing time increases causing network delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet inspection process into two distinct tiers: a first tier that performs rapid header-only analysis (OSI layers 2-4) and a second tier that performs comprehensive deep packet inspection. This segmentation allows most packets to be processed quickly at the first tier while only suspicious or non-matching packets proceed to the second tier for complete analysis, thereby resolving the contradiction between inspection accuracy and processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The first tier performs partial inspection by analyzing only packet headers rather than complete data frames. This partial action is sufficient for identifying and directing most packet flows based on their characteristics, eliminating the need for time-consuming complete frame analysis in every case while maintaining effective packet flow management.
2Measurement precision
If deep packet inspection is performed on all packet flows, then detection precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into two tiers with different inspection depths. The first tier handles the majority of packet flows with rapid header analysis, maintaining high productivity. The second tier performs deep inspection only on a small subset of packets that require detailed analysis, thus preserving overall system throughput while ensuring accurate detection when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
Different inspection depths are applied to different packet flows based on their characteristics. Most packets receive quick header-level inspection, while only specific packets (those that are suspicious or do not match known patterns) undergo comprehensive deep inspection. This localized quality approach optimizes both productivity and detection precision.
3Reliability
If comprehensive packet analysis is conducted for every packet flow, then reliability of service quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is organized into two functional tiers with distinct responsibilities. The first tier handles routine packet flow direction based on header characteristics, while the second tier provides backup comprehensive analysis for edge cases. This segmentation maintains service quality reliability through multiple layers of inspection while avoiding the complexity of implementing full deep inspection for every single packet.
Data Source
AI summary
A system adaptably directs packet flows to packet processing elements based on OSI layer characteristics and, when necessary, inspection of data payloads. Characteristics of parsed data flows are identified. A comparison ensues. Upon recognition of a match, the entirety of the packet flow is directed to a linked packet processing element. When a match does not occur, the packet flow is directed to a second analysis tier whereby data payloads of the flow are examined. Characteristics from the data payload analysis are compared to entries in a database. Upon a match being recognized the matching packet flow is directed to the packet processing element. Features of packet flow having undergone data payload analysis are captured and used to update the database of prior associations so that any subsequent receipt of similar packet flows will be forwarded to the linked packet processing element without having to conduct a data payload analysis.