Preview Packet Classifier for Network Impairment Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-speed network impairment instruments lack a mechanism to preview packet classification results in real-time, making it difficult for users to detect configuration errors before applying them, which can lead to unnecessary or missed impairment functions.
Innovation Solution
A system with a dedicated preview packet classifier that receives dynamic user input, classifies packets, and generates preview results, allowing users to see the effects of configuration changes without affecting ongoing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated preview packet classifier is added to provide real-time classification preview, then the user can detect configuration errors and validate classification rules before applying them, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the packet classification function into two separate components: a preview packet classifier and a general-purpose classifier. The preview classifier is a dedicated segment that handles only classification preview operations, while the general-purpose classifier handles actual packet classification. This segmentation allows the preview function to be isolated and tested independently, improving configuration reliability without significantly impacting the overall system when the preview classifier is viewed as a separate, dedicated module.
2Reliability
If packet classification results are searched through manually to detect errors, then no additional hardware is needed, but the time required to detect configuration errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The preview packet classifier performs classification operations in advance before the actual packet processing begins. By evaluating classification rules against a sample set of packets beforehand, the system can detect configuration errors proactively. This preliminary action prevents errors from propagating to the general-purpose classifier, saving time that would otherwise be spent manually searching through classification results to detect mistakes.
3Productivity
If configuration changes are applied immediately to general-purpose classifiers, then the system responds quickly to user input, but configuration errors cannot be detected before affecting packet classification
Solution Approach 1:
The preview packet classifier serves as an intermediary between the user's configuration input and the general-purpose classifier. When a user makes configuration changes, they are first applied to the preview classifier which evaluates them against sample packets. Only after successful validation in the preview stage are the configurations transferred to the general-purpose classifier. This intermediary role maintains quick configuration application while ensuring reliability through preliminary validation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for packet classification previewing are disclosed. Packet classification previewing is performed by a reserved preview packet classifier and initiated by a user. According to one aspect, a method for packet classification previewing includes providing a preview packet classifier. User input is received to classify packets using the preview packet classifier. In response to the user input, classification of packets is initiated using the preview packet classifier. Preview packet classification results are generated and displayed to the user, providing feedback as to whether the classifier configuration is correct or not as the user changes the configuration dynamically.