Packet Switch with Integrated Traffic Replay Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network switch devices lack the capability to store received packets for retroactive transmission, limiting their ability to regenerate network traffic for monitoring and analysis purposes.
Innovation Solution
A packet switch system with a first network port for receiving packets, a storage system for storing packets, and an integrated circuit configured to retroactively transmit packets to an instrument port in a playback configuration in response to a user's command, allowing for pre-determined packet transmission schemes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network switch devices forward packets in real-time without storage capability, then packet transmission speed is maintained, but the ability to regenerate network traffic for monitoring and analysis is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the packet storage system, playback control circuitry, and network switch functions into a single integrated device. The storage system stores captured packets, and the playback configuration allows these stored packets to be retransmitted through the network ports at controlled rates, enabling traffic regeneration without requiring separate monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch device is designed to perform multiple functions: real-time packet forwarding, packet capture and storage, and playback/retransmission of stored packets. This multi-functionality allows a single device to serve both as a network switch and a traffic generation tool for monitoring and analysis purposes.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring tools are deployed for network analysis, then traffic monitoring capability is provided, but equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring expensive real-time monitoring tools to capture and analyze traffic, the system captures packets once and stores them. The stored packets can then be replayed multiple times for analysis, creating copies of the traffic data that can be examined without needing additional expensive monitoring equipment for each analysis session.
3Adaptability or versatility
If packets are stored for later playback, then traffic analysis flexibility is improved, but storage and retrieval complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary packet capture and storage during normal network operation. Packets are stored in the storage system with metadata that enables later retrieval and playback. This preliminary action allows flexible analysis later without requiring complex real-time processing during the analysis phase.
Data Source
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AI summary
A packet switch system includes a packet switch appliance having a first network port configured to receive packets, and a first instrument port configured to communicate with a network monitoring tool, a storage system for storing the packets, and an integrated circuit configured to retrieve the packets from the storage system, and retroactively transmit the packets to the first instrument port in a play-back configuration in response to a user's command.