Packet Processing Agent with Dynamic Lookup Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional routers face reduced service quality and efficiency due to insufficient processing ability and inflexible hardware limitations when handling high-speed internet applications, requiring a solution for improved packet processing efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A packet-processing apparatus comprising an agent, a processing unit, a monitoring unit, a lookup table, and a control unit that dynamically intercepts and processes packets based on established and processed headers, allowing for flexible and efficient handling of packet streams with the ability to update and refresh the lookup table content periodically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lookup table is established by software, then flexibility is improved, but processing efficiency deteriorates due to code tracing and editing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes multiple lookup tables (first lookup table, second lookup table, third lookup table) containing different types of matching rules before packet processing begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for real-time code tracing and editing during packet processing, as the agent can directly query pre-configured tables. The agent unit is designed to sequentially query these tables without requiring software engineer intervention for each packet type.
2Productivity
If lookup table is established by hardware, then processing efficiency is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inflexible circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic lookup table selection mechanism where the agent unit can choose which lookup table to query based on packet characteristics. The system includes multiple lookup tables that can be independently configured and updated, allowing the hardware to adapt to different packet types without requiring physical circuit changes. The agent unit dynamically selects between first, second, and third lookup tables based on the specific packet processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The agent unit serves as an intermediary between the hardware lookup tables and the packet processing system. It queries the appropriate lookup table based on packet characteristics and retrieves matching rules without requiring direct hardware reconfiguration. This intermediary layer provides flexibility while maintaining hardware-based processing efficiency.
3Speed
If hardware circuits are used for lookup table, then processing speed is improved, but cost increases due to new hardware development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal agent unit that can query multiple types of lookup tables (first, second, and third lookup tables) with different matching rules. This single hardware component performs multiple functions by selecting from different pre-configured tables, eliminating the need to develop separate hardware circuits for each packet type. The system achieves hardware-level processing speed with software-level flexibility through this multi-functional design.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a packet-processing apparatus for receiving and processing N packets in a series, wherein N is a natural number, and each of the packets has a current header. Additionally, the packet-processing apparatus includes an agent, a processing unit, a monitoring unit, a lookup table, and a control unit. Particularly, the packet-processing apparatus according to the invention can process the N packets effectively and flexibly.