Network Processing Circuit With Coprocessor Packet Logging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lack of sufficient visibility and observability of network systems, particularly in early design and modeling phases, leads to challenges in maintaining and growing complex network systems, with conventional logging solutions lacking miniaturization, customizability, and computational performance.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit with a first processor for network data processing and a separate coprocessor for network data logging, capable of aggregating and arranging duplicates of network packets in chronological order to enhance visibility and observability, while ensuring high performance and flexible integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If standalone test and measurement equipment is used for logging network information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogging accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the logging functionality with the network processing device by integrating a coprocessor into the same system. The coprocessor obtains duplicates of network packets from the first processor and aggregates logging information, eliminating the need for separate standalone test equipment while maintaining logging precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The network processing device is enhanced with multi-functionality by adding the coprocessor that performs both network packet processing and logging operations. This universal device serves dual purposes: primary network data processing and network information logging, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If standalone test equipment is used for network logging, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of integration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogging capabilityVSAvoidintegration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The logging function is merged with the network processing device through the coprocessor, which is integrated into the same system. This combination improves ease of operation by eliminating the need to coordinate separate external devices while maintaining full logging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coprocessor acts as an intermediary between the first processor and the logging function. It obtains packet duplicates from the first processor and processes logging information, providing seamless integration and improving operational ease without compromising measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional logging solutions are used, then compatibility is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to lack of real-time analysis capability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidreal-time processing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The coprocessor performs preliminary actions by obtaining duplicates of network packets from the first processor before the main processing completes. This allows parallel processing of logging information without interfering with primary network operations, enhancing real-time productivity while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments processing tasks by separating network packet processing (first processor) from logging operations (coprocessor). The coprocessor handles logging independently using packet duplicates, enabling real-time analysis without compromising overall system productivity or compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If network processing device is extended with embedded coprocessing capabilities, then productivity is improved through real-time logging, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time logging performanceVSAvoidprocessor architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing architecture is segmented into a first processor for network packet processing and a separate coprocessor for logging operations. This segmentation enables real-time logging productivity while managing complexity by dividing functions into specialized, independent processing units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coprocessor serves as an intermediary processing unit that handles logging operations without adding significant complexity to the main processor. It obtains packet duplicates and processes logging information independently, improving real-time productivity while maintaining a manageable processor architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4111645B1Integrated circuit for network data processing, network data logging and a network digital twin
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4111645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4111645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4111645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the field of computer networking and network data logging. The present invention therefore provides an integrated circuit (100) for network data processing and network data logging, wherein the integrated circuit (100) comprises a first processor (101) configured to process multiple network packets (102) obtained from one or more input ports (103) of the integrated circuit (100) and to forward the multiple network packets (102) towards one or more output ports (104) of the integrated circuit (100), and a coprocessor (105) separate from the first processor (101), configured to obtain duplicates (106) of the multiple network packets (102) from the first processor (101) and/or from the integrated circuit (100), and to aggregate logging network information (107) based on the duplicates (106) of the multiple network packets (102), wherein the logging network information (107) comprises information (108) about the multiple network packets (102).