Packet Processing Distribution Algorithm for Network Appliance Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network appliances, such as intrusion prevention systems, often introduce latency and have slower throughput compared to traditional network devices like routers and switches, which can negatively impact real-time applications and overall network performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distribution algorithm to bifurcate configuration instructions between a first logical entity, typically a network device, and a second logical entity, such as a network appliance, to efficiently coordinate packet processing, focusing the network appliance's efforts on pattern searches only when pre-conditions are met, thereby reducing work duplication and improving performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network appliances perform comprehensive packet processing, then security detection capability is improved, but throughput and latency performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments packet processing into two distinct phases: a fast path for common packets that bypass deep inspection, and a slow path for suspicious packets requiring thorough analysis. This segmentation allows the network appliance to maintain high throughput for most traffic while performing comprehensive security checks only when necessary, resolving the contradiction between security detection capability and throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary level of packet inspection based on pre-established criteria. Rather than universally applying comprehensive analysis to all packets, the system applies deep inspection only to packets that meet specific suspicion thresholds, thereby improving throughput while maintaining adequate security detection for problematic traffic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network appliances replicate bridging and routing functions, then security service capability is improved, but processing speed and latency performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator mechanism that coordinates between the network appliance's security functions and the network infrastructure devices. The mediator handles the replication of bridging and routing functions while maintaining performance by using efficient data structures and algorithms, allowing the appliance to provide comprehensive security services without severely impacting processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by adjusting the level of processing applied to different packet types. By dynamically modifying processing depth based on packet characteristics and threat intelligence, the system can provide comprehensive security services when needed while maintaining fast processing speeds for benign traffic, thus resolving the contradiction between security capability and processing speed.
3Reliability
If more raw processing power is added to network appliances, then security detection capability is improved, but cost increases without proportional performance gain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the most critical security detection functions from the general packet processing pipeline and implements them as specialized, optimized modules. By taking out only the essential security inspection capabilities and implementing them efficiently, the system achieves improved security detection capability without proportionally increasing hardware complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical processing power with intelligent software-based decision-making mechanisms. Instead of relying solely on increased raw processing capacity, the system uses sophisticated algorithms and data-driven approaches to identify and process only the packets that require attention, achieving better security detection with lower overall system complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
Network devices, systems, and methods are provided for packet processing. One method includes receiving a checking functionality rule set as an input to a distribution algorithm. The method includes bifurcating and providing configuration instructions, as an output from the distribution algorithm, to a first logic plane associated with a first logical entity and a second logic plane associated with a second logical entity. A collaboration algorithm is used to provide processing coordination between the first logical entity and the second logical entity.