Reconfigurable Packet Processing Order Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network devices have a static and fixed packet processing order for network functions, making it costly and difficult to customize without major redesigns, as the processing order is predefined during the design phase and cannot be easily changed.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable packet processing system that identifies and customizes the processing order of network functions based on flow parameters, allowing for dynamic execution and updating of packet processing orders, including applying different configurations without extensive reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the packet processing order is predefined during the design phase, then the system structure is simple and stable, but the adaptability to customize processing orders is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable packet processing system where the processing order of network functions can be dynamically changed based on flow parameters. The system uses a state machine that can be reconfigured to execute different sequences of function units (e.g., NAT, ACLs, firewall) without hardware redesign, allowing the packet processing pipeline to adapt its structure and behavior runtime based on traffic requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the packet processing system by introducing flow parameters that determine processing order. Different packet flows can have different processing sequences defined by parameters such as priority levels, traffic types, or source/destination characteristics, allowing customization without structural changes
2Ease of operation
If the packet processing order is fixed, then the system is stable and reliable, but the ease of operation for customization is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines multiple packet processing orders as configurable templates during system initialization or deployment. These pre-configured processing sequences can be selectively activated based on flow parameters, eliminating the need for runtime reconfiguration and reducing the time required to customize processing orders
3Adaptability or versatility
If the processing order is customized without major redesign, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing system into independent, modular function units (e.g., NAT module, ACLs module, firewall module) that can be individually configured and executed in different sequences. Each function unit is a self-contained component with well-defined interfaces, allowing flexible reordering without affecting the integrity of individual processing functions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to packet processing via reconfigurable packet processing system. A network device is configured to identify a processing order of multiple function units based on a first flow parameter of a first packet, execute a first function unit according to the processing order, update a processing status for the first packet to indicate processing by the first function unit is complete, and transmit the first packet responsive to determining from the processing status that the processing order has been completed. The network device is configured to receive a second packet including a second flow parameter, identify the second packet as a response packet of the first packet based on the first and second flow parameters, identify a reverse of the first processing order of the multiple function units, and execute a second function unit according to the reverse processing order.