Network Interface Device AI Header Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network interface devices face inefficiencies in capturing and processing network data flows, particularly in high-traffic environments, where direct capture models are costly and network connected deployments can exceed processing and buffering capacities, leading to data loss and incomplete datasets.
Innovation Solution
A network interface device that directs a copy of incoming or outgoing packets to a capture buffer, which is then processed by an analytical engine, allowing for real-time data analysis and storage, and uses a header processing engine to efficiently handle packet headers, while also implementing rules for traffic management and security through a secure connection with a controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct capture model is used, then complete data capture is achieved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bridge device as an intermediary between the network switch and the analysis device. This bridge receives captured data packets from the switch and forwards them to the analysis device, enabling complete data capture without requiring the analysis device to directly handle all network traffic, thus reducing system cost while maintaining capture completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses packet copying where the network switch creates copies of data packets to be captured and sends these copies to the bridge device. The original packets continue through the network while the copies are analyzed, allowing complete data capture without impacting network performance or requiring expensive direct capture hardware
2Productivity
If network connected deployment is used, then processing capacity is reduced, but buffering capacity is exceeded leading to data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data capture and processing functions across multiple components: the network switch performs initial packet copying, the bridge device manages data flow and buffering, and the analysis device performs detailed processing. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its capacity limits while maintaining overall system reliability and preventing data loss
3Reliability
If all packets are captured for analysis, then complete dataset is obtained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements selective packet capture where the network switch and bridge device filter packets based on capture rules, sending only relevant packets to the analysis device. This partial action approach maintains data completeness for targeted analysis while significantly reducing the total number of packets processed, thereby reducing processing time
Data Source
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AI summary
A network interface device has in input. The input receives packets in accordance with a protocol and have at least one protocol header. The network interface has hardware which applies an artificial intelligence process to at least one of the protocol headers. This is used to provide an output which may, for example, indicate a risk associated with a packet.