Programmable Hardware Packet Processing via Microcontroller Rule Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network computing devices face inefficiencies in handling unknown data packets, as they require software-based processing, which is complex and time-consuming, whereas hardware-based handling is more efficient but limited by the need for pre-configured rules.

Innovation Solution

A computing device equipped with a programmable hardware device and a microcontroller that programs rules based on packet parameters and policies, allowing for in-hardware processing of unknown packets by creating new rules when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software-based processing is used for unknown packets, then the device can handle packets without pre-configured rules, but the processing becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle unknown packetsVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A microcontroller is introduced as an intermediary between the network interface and the main processor. The microcontroller handles the programming of hardware rules for unknown packets, acting as a mediator that offloads this specific function from the main software processing path, thereby reducing the time penalty while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces software-based rule programming with hardware-based rule programming. By using a programmable hardware device that can be dynamically configured, the system substitutes the slow software processing mechanism with a faster hardware mechanism, reducing processing time while maintaining the ability to handle unknown packets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If hardware-based processing is used for packets, then processing efficiency is improved, but the device requires pre-configured rules which limits flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket processing efficiencyVSAvoidability to handle unknown packets

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the hardware rule configuration dynamic rather than static. The microcontroller enables the programmable hardware device to be reconfigured in real-time based on observed traffic patterns, allowing the system to maintain high hardware-based processing efficiency while adapting to handle previously unknown packet types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of unknown packets using the microcontroller to determine appropriate handling rules before committing to hardware-based processing. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare hardware rules in advance for common unknown packet types, reducing the need for slow software processing while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If software is used to configure new rules in hardware, then unknown packets can be handled, but the process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to create new rulesVSAvoidrule configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the rule configuration function from the main software stack and places it in a dedicated microcontroller. This separation isolates the complexity of rule configuration to a specific component, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to dynamically create new hardware rules for unknown packets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20240106756A1In-hardware configuration of rules indicating how to process packets received by a device

Publication Date: 2024.03.28 MELLANOX TECHNOLOGIES LTD(IL)

AI summary

A computing device which may include a programmable hardware device and a microcontroller to, based on a policy and parameters of a packet received by the programmable hardware device, program a rule in the programmable hardware device, the rule indicating how to process the packet.