Network Packet Header Parser Using Local Offset Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for parsing and modifying packet headers in communication networks require significant storage and introduce latency due to the need to accumulate entire header portions, which is inefficient and complex, especially with increasing header sizes and narrower interface widths.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that process packet headers by specifying the location of target fields within data units received in multiple transactions, using a local offset to identify and process the target field without storing all data units in a buffer, allowing for efficient parsing and modification without the need for extensive storage or complex circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet headers are accumulated in registers until the entire header is received, then the complete header can be processed, but storage area requirements increase significantly and packet transmission latency becomes substantial
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the packet header into multiple segments corresponding to the width of the input interface. Each segment is processed independently as it arrives, rather than accumulating the entire header in storage. This segmentation allows the system to process headers in chunks, reducing the storage area required from holding the entire header to holding only the current segment being processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs processing operations on header segments as they arrive, rather than waiting for the complete header. By specifying target fields and processing logic in advance, the system can begin processing the first segment immediately upon receipt, performing preliminary actions that would traditionally require waiting for the entire header to be accumulated.
2Reliability
If packet headers are accumulated in registers until the entire header is received, then the complete header can be processed, but packet transmission latency increases substantially for larger header sizes
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the header processing into multiple independent stages corresponding to interface width chunks, the system can process each segment as it arrives rather than waiting for the complete header. This reduces transmission latency because processing begins immediately with the first segment while subsequent segments are still being transmitted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous processing of header segments as they arrive, maintaining useful action throughout the header transmission period. Instead of idle waiting time while accumulating the complete header, the system continuously processes each segment upon receipt, eliminating gaps in productive work and reducing overall transmission latency.
3Reliability
If traditional accumulation methods are used for packet headers, then complete header processing is achieved, but complex circuitry occupying large area is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies circuitry by processing header segments independently rather than requiring complex accumulation logic for complete headers. Each segment is handled with simpler, identical circuitry that can be reused, reducing overall device complexity and area requirements compared to traditional methods that require large accumulators and complex control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system specifies target fields and processing parameters in advance, before the header segments arrive. This preliminary configuration allows the circuitry to be simple and dedicated, rather than requiring complex, reconfigurable logic to determine what to process and how. The pre-specified processing logic reduces circuitry complexity and area occupation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If packet headers are sent over narrower interfaces in multiple transactions, then interface width constraints are satisfied, but the number of transactions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent is specifically designed to handle segmented header transmission matching the interface width. By processing each segment independently and immediately upon arrival, the system maximizes the efficiency of multi-transaction transmission. The segmentation approach converts the potential productivity loss from multiple transactions into an opportunity for parallel and continuous processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous productive action throughout the multi-transaction header transmission by processing each segment as it arrives. This eliminates idle waiting time between transactions and ensures that processing resources are continuously utilized, offsetting the productivity impact of increased transaction counts through maximized resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of processing a packet header received via an input interface, a plurality of data units that collectively correspond to a header of a network packet is received. A location of a target field of the header in one or more data units among the plurality of data units is specified, and the one or more data units containing the target field are identified among the plurality of data units. The target field is processed using a local offset corresponding to the specified location of the target field in the identified one or more data units, without simultaneously storing all data units of the plurality of data units in a buffer.