Network Analysis Device Real-Time Stream Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network analysis devices, particularly portable ones, struggle to reliably perform adequate analysis in highly-utilized gigabit networks due to limited software processing power and the complexity of analysis required, which hardware-only solutions also fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A network analysis device equipped with a network filter featuring a stream discovery engine and a filter stage, allowing real-time filtering and monitoring of network streams based on user-input filter parameters, which includes a processor to compile and display characteristic information, enabling selective analysis without exceeding processing capacity, and allowing remote accessibility and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If software processing power is increased to handle gigabit networks, then network analysis capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network analysis function into two parts: a hardware network filter that performs initial packet filtering and a software processor that performs detailed analysis. This segmentation allows the system to handle gigabit networks by offloading filtering tasks to hardware while keeping the processing device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network filter as an intermediary component between the gigabit network and the processing device. This intermediary performs preliminary filtering of network traffic, reducing the burden on the processor and enabling the system to handle high-speed networks without requiring excessive processing power.
2Loss of information
If all network streams are monitored and analyzed, then comprehensive network visibility is improved, but processing load exceeds device capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information from network packets through selective filtering. The network filter extracts packets matching specific criteria (such as protocol type, source/destination addresses) and passes only these filtered packets to the processor for detailed analysis, rather than processing all packets in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by monitoring and analyzing only a subset of network streams that match user-defined filter parameters. This allows the system to maintain comprehensive network visibility for targeted protocols or addresses while keeping the processing load within the device's capacity.
3Productivity
If real-time filtering of multiple network streams is implemented, then network monitoring efficiency is improved, but device resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based packet filtering with a hardware network filter that operates in parallel with the processor. This hardware filter performs real-time filtering of multiple network streams using dedicated circuitry, achieving high monitoring efficiency without consuming significant processor resources or energy.
Data Source
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AI summary
One embodiment of a device includes a network filter configured to filter a plurality of network streams in real-time at the network analysis device to access at least one of the plurality of network streams based on filter parameters input to the network filter. The device further includes a processor configured to compile network information associated with the accessed at least one of the plurality of network streams to allow interaction with the network information.