Programmable Packet Engine Network Tester

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network testers are either high-end appliances with high per-port costs or low-end devices providing low performance, lacking the ability to perform network testing functions efficiently and effectively, especially in terms of cost and port density.

Innovation Solution

A network tester equipped with a programmable packet engine that supports multiple users, allows for the configuration of traffic generation and measurement, and can operate as both a network tester and a forwarding device, enabling high-performance network testing with customizable protocols and simplified communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high-end network tester appliances are used, then network testing performance is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork testing performanceVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The network tester is designed to perform multiple functions including traffic generation, traffic measurement, and network device testing through a single programmable packet engine. The system can be configured via P4 programs to implement different testing protocols (RFC 2544, RFC 2889, RFC 3819) and operate as both network tester and forwarding device, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If low-end network tester devices are used, then cost is reduced, but network testing performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidnetwork testing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves high performance through configurable parameters including programmable packet processing rates, adjustable traffic generation patterns, and flexible measurement capabilities. The programmable packet engine can be tuned to handle different testing scenarios from basic connectivity to complex protocol validation, delivering high-end performance at lower cost through software-defined capabilities rather than fixed hardware limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional network testers are used, then basic testing functions are provided, but port density and programmability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprogrammabilityVSAvoiddevice architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex fixed-function hardware architectures with a software-defined programmable packet engine. Instead of dedicated hardware circuits for each testing function, the system uses P4 programmable logic that can be dynamically configured through software. This substitution enables high port density and flexible protocol support while simplifying the overall device architecture through a unified programmable platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11595289B2Network testing using a programmable packet engine

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Embodiments described herein describe a network tester that is configured to perform packet modification at an egress pipeline of a programmable packet engine. A packet stream is received at an egress pipeline of an output port of the programmable packet engine, wherein the output port includes a packet modifier. Packets of the packet stream are modified at the packet modifier. The packet stream including modified packets is transmitted through an egress pipeline of the output port.