Network Processor IC with Software Programmable Search Engine Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing bandwidth requirements in information networks pose compatibility issues between network processors and external search engines due to vendor-specific interfaces, requiring additional FPGA ICs for translation and limiting programmability, while existing standards like LA-1 struggle to support next-generation network throughput beyond 10 Gbps.
Innovation Solution
A network processor IC with a software programmable search engine communications module that adapts to different search engine interfaces, eliminating the need for additional ICs and enabling compatibility with various search engines, including future interfaces, by configuring bus interfaces and protocols programmatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an FPGA IC is used to bridge communications between network processor and search engine, then compatibility with different search engines is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring an extra IC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the search engine interface translation functionality directly into the network processor IC by integrating a software programmable interface module. This eliminates the need for a separate FPGA IC while maintaining the ability to adapt to different search engine interfaces through software configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The network processor IC is designed with a universal software programmable interface that can be configured to support multiple different search engine interfaces through software programming. This single interface module performs the function of multiple hardware-specific interfaces, providing versatility without requiring multiple dedicated hardware components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If FPGA IC with pre-established hardware logic blocks is used, then compatibility with search engines is achieved, but programmability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hardware-based programmable logic of FPGA with a software-based programmable interface module. This substitution allows for greater programmability and flexibility in adapting to different search engine interfaces through software configuration rather than being constrained by pre-established hardware logic blocks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LA-1 standard interface is used, then standardization between network processors and external devices is improved, but throughput capability deteriorates as it cannot support next-generation network speeds beyond 10 Gbps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic, software-programmable interface that can adapt to different throughput requirements and search engine interfaces. This dynamic interface can be configured through software to support various communication protocols and data rates, enabling the system to achieve next-generation network speeds beyond 10 Gbps while maintaining standardization benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A network processor IC for processing network traffic includes a bus interface and a software programmable search engine communications module. The bus interface of the network processor IC is not specific to a particular search engine and the software programmable search engine communications module enables communications to be conducted between the network processor IC and the search engine via the bus interface according to whatever communications protocol the search engine requires. Using the software programmable search engine communications module, a network processor IC is software programmed to communicate with a particular search engine in a manner that is completely compatible with the search engine.