Packet Content Translation Using T-CAM Matching and Calculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packet content translation methods in Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) require excessive resources due to the need for multiple fixed Virtual Identification (VID) entries in translation tables, leading to high resource demands in network equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and network device for packet content translation that utilize a packet analyzing unit, a comparing unit, and a calculating unit to determine if a match entry exists in a translation criteria table, allowing for efficient translation using a single match entry, reducing resource requirements by employing a Ternary Content-Addressable Memory (T-CAM) for matching and processing packets based on specific characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packet content translation method uses fixed VID entries in translation table, then packet translation can be performed, but resource requirement in network equipment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of VID translation from fixed value mapping to calculated value mapping. Instead of storing predetermined VID mappings in the translation table, the system stores calculation parameters and formulas that dynamically generate translated VIDs based on packet characteristics, thereby reducing table size and resource requirements while maintaining translation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the translation function by storing only essential matching criteria and calculation rules in the translation table rather than complete VID mapping pairs. This allows the system to reproduce the translation result through calculation rather than direct table lookup, significantly reducing the amount of data stored in the translation table
2Adaptability or versatility
If more VID entries are added to handle more VIDs in VLAN, then packet translation coverage increases, but translation table size and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the translation table universal by storing calculation rules that can handle multiple VID translation scenarios with a single entry. Instead of requiring separate entries for each VID mapping, a single calculation rule can generate multiple translated VIDs based on different packet characteristics, allowing one translation table entry to serve multiple translation purposes and thereby increasing coverage without increasing table size
3Ease of operation
If conventional method requires one entry per VID, then simple translation mapping is achieved, but device complexity and resource requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple translation functions into a single calculation-based processing step. Instead of requiring separate table lookup operations for each VID mapping, the system combines matching and translation into one operation where the calculation unit generates the translated VID based on matched packet characteristics and stored calculation rules, thereby simplifying the overall device operation while maintaining translation capability
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method and a network device for packet content translation, wherein the network device comprises: a packet analyzing unit, a packet comparing unit, and a calculating unit, and the method comprises: providing a packet content translation criteria table; obtaining characteristic information of a packet; comparing the characteristic information of the packet with the packet content translation criteria table to determine whether a corresponding match entry is found in the packet content translation criteria table; and using the calculating unit to perform a packet content translation for the packet according to a packet processing mode indicated by the corresponding match entry. The method and the network device for packet content translation of the disclosure can reduce resource requirement for network equipments.