Selective Packet Header Parsing for Router Memory Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packet communication networks face challenges in efficiently routing packets with optional header fields, particularly in IPv4 headers, due to the variable nature of optional records and the need for extensive memory resources to process all header data, which can limit support for advanced network functions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of routing logic with parsing instructions that specify types of optional records and their offsets, allowing for selective extraction and processing of only necessary header data, thereby skipping unnecessary options and reducing memory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all optional header fields are processed, then complete packet information is obtained, but memory resources and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes only the specific optional header fields that are relevant for routing decisions, rather than processing all optional fields. The routing logic is configured with parsing instructions that selectively identify and extract data from only those optional records of specified types, eliminating the need to allocate memory resources for storing and processing unnecessary header data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing approaches to different parts of the packet header. The basic header is fully processed, while optional headers are selectively processed based on their type. Parsing instructions specify which optional record types to process and at what offsets, creating a localized processing approach that reduces overall memory requirements while maintaining necessary routing information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive memory resources are allocated to process all header data, then comprehensive routing decisions can be made, but router size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential data needed for routing decisions from optional header fields. By configuring parsing instructions to identify specific optional record types and extract data at predetermined offsets, the system obtains sufficient routing information without allocating memory for complete header data, thereby reducing router size and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by processing only the necessary portion of the packet header. Instead of processing all optional fields, the routing logic selectively processes only those optional records whose types are specified in the parsing instructions, achieving adequate routing capability with reduced memory allocation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optional records are processed in arbitrary order, then all options can be handled, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares parsing instructions in advance that specify the types of optional records to process and the offsets at which to extract data. This preliminary configuration allows the routing logic to efficiently identify and process relevant optional fields without needing to examine or reorder all optional records during packet processing, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Communication apparatus includes multiple interfaces configured to be connected to a network so as to receive and transmit data packets having respective packet headers that includes a basic header record and one or more optional records. Parsing instructions specify one or more types of the optional records and indicate, for each specified type, an offset within an optional record of the specified type. Upon receiving each packet, routing logic parses the basic header record in the packet, parses the one or more optional records so as to identify any optional records of the one or more specified types, extracts header data from the identified optional records at the offset indicated for the specified type, and processes and forwards the data packets via the interfaces to the network in accordance with information parsed from the basic header record and the extracted header data.