Programmable Packet Header Editing ASIC for Network Protocol Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networking ASICs require costly and time-consuming redesigns or respins to support new network protocols, as they lack flexibility in packet header editing capabilities for various protocols.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a Protocol Independent Packet Editor (PIPE) with a Central Editing Unit (CEU) comprising Deletion, Insertion, and Modification Units, enabling flexible packet header editing, allowing for the adaptation to current and future network protocols without replacing ASICs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ASICs are redesigned to support new network protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but development cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the packet header editing capabilities programmable and reconfigurable through software instructions rather than fixed hardware logic. The Central Editing Unit (CEU) can be dynamically programmed via instruction sets to support different network protocols without physical redesign, allowing the ASIC to adapt its behavior based on loaded instruction sets for various protocol requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single ASIC architecture that can handle multiple network protocols through a universal packet header editing mechanism. The Central Editing Unit with its deletion, insertion, and modification capabilities serves multiple protocol requirements, allowing one ASIC to replace what would traditionally require multiple protocol-specific ASICs
2Adaptability or versatility
If ASICs are respinned to support new protocols, then protocol support is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by using software instruction sets that replicate protocol-specific editing logic in a programmable manner. Instead of creating new hardware copies for each protocol, the same hardware structure is reused with different software instructions loaded, effectively copying the protocol logic in software rather than silicon
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the editing behavior of the Central Editing Unit to be modified through software parameters and instruction sets. The same hardware can be reconfigured for different protocols by changing operational parameters such as header field offsets, editing operations, and protocol-specific rules without any physical manufacturing changes
3Device complexity
If fixed packet header editing capabilities are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to new protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the packet header editing function into distinct operational units: deletion unit, insertion unit, and modification unit. Each unit handles a specific type of header manipulation, and their combination provides flexible protocol support while keeping individual unit complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of a programmable instruction set and control logic that mediates between the fixed hardware structure and the variable protocol requirements. This intermediary software layer translates protocol-specific needs into standardized editing operations executed by the Central Editing Unit
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system and method are provided for updating network protocols. A new ASIC is designed to adapt to future network protocols, the ASIC including at least one packet editing program. The ASIC is configured to classify (820) a received packet to determine new protocols to which the packet is to be updated, delete (830) selected existing headers of the packet, insert (840) new headers in the packet based on the classification, and modify (850) selected headers based on the classification.