Packet Modification Data Structures for Flexible Switch Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packet processing technologies are inflexible and limited in their ability to perform diverse packet modification operations, relying on hard-coded hardware and insufficiently flexible data structures that cannot accommodate the varied requirements of current packet switching environments.
Innovation Solution
A processor-readable medium with a data structure that includes pointers to sequences of commands and data/mask items stored in separate memory areas, allowing for dynamic execution of packet modification operations within a switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hard-coded hardware is used for packet modification operations, then the implementation is simple and reliable, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot accommodate diverse packet modification operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic packet modification operations by using programmable data structures that can be configured at runtime. Instead of hard-coded hardware paths, the system uses a command sequence stored in memory that can be dynamically selected and executed based on packet type and modification requirements, enabling flexible adaptation to diverse operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal packet modification framework where a single data structure format can support multiple types of packet operations (VLAN insertion/deletion, MAC address replacement, TTL decrement, etc.). The command sequence mechanism allows one system to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated hardware paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated hardware is used for specific packet operations, then the processing speed is high, but the system cannot easily accommodate diverse packet modification operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-stores command sequences and data structures in memory before packet processing occurs. By preparing the modification commands in advance and organizing them in a structured format, the system can quickly retrieve and execute the appropriate commands without complex runtime calculations, maintaining high processing speed while supporting diverse operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hard-coded data structures are used, then the implementation is straightforward, but the structures are insufficiently flexible to handle diverse packet types and operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet modification process into separate command sequences and data structures stored in memory. Instead of a monolithic hard-coded structure, the system divides functionality into discrete, manageable components that can be independently configured and combined, making the overall system easier to implement while providing greater flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor readable medium storing a data structure for supporting one or more packet modification operations is provided. The data structure has a pointer to a sequence of one or more commands stored in a first memory area and implementing one or more packet modification operations. The data structure also has a pointer to a burst of one or more data or mask items stored in a second memory area for use by the one or more commands. A method of performing one or more packet modification operations on a packet is also provided. This packet is associated with a data structure link. In this method, a data structure corresponding to the data structure link is retrieved. This data structure has the format described above. A packet modification system utilizing a data structure having this format is also provided.