Selective Packet Sequence Acceleration in Network Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex networking architectures in mobile wireless environments face challenges in optimizing packet processing due to increased data traffic, particularly with the rise of video and file-sharing, which demands efficient routing and resource management, and existing deep packet inspection methods can hinder performance by requiring extensive processing resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a network processing unit and a general processing unit collaborate to selectively accelerate data flows by delegating portions of packet processing based on deceleration triggers, allowing for accelerated processing of certain data flows while maintaining high-touch handling for others, thereby optimizing resource usage and improving network efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If deep packet inspection is performed by network elements to process and route packets, then packet processing capability is improved, but processing resources and expenses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments packet processing into two distinct paths: a fast path for packets matching predefined criteria that bypass deep inspection, and a slow path for packets requiring deep packet inspection. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high processing capability for most traffic while reserving intensive resources only when necessary, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing qualities to different packets based on their characteristics. Packets matching predefined criteria receive fast processing, while packets requiring deeper analysis receive intensive inspection. This local differentiation of processing quality optimizes resource allocation and resolves the contradiction between overall processing capability and resource consumption.
2Reliability
If deep packet inspection is performed to identify services and detect threats, then security and service identification improve, but processing time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by inspecting packet headers and making initial routing decisions before deep packet inspection is required. This preliminary processing handles the majority of packets quickly, and only initiates deep inspection when necessary, thereby maintaining reliability for service identification while minimizing processing time and resource consumption.
3Productivity
If network elements perform extensive packet processing to manage increased data traffic, then traffic management capability improves, but network complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing function into multiple components: a fast path for simple routing decisions and a slow path for complex deep inspection. This segmentation reduces the complexity burden on any single processing element while maintaining overall traffic management capability, as each component handles only the subset of tasks appropriate to its complexity level.
Data Source
AI summary
At least one first frame of a first data flow is inspected by a general processing unit to at least determine whether a subsequent portion of the first data flow can be delegated to a network processing unit for accelerated processing. A deceleration trigger is defined for the first data flow from the inspection of the first frame. A first subsequent portion of the first data flow is delegated to a network processing unit for accelerated processing based, at least in part, on the defining of the first deceleration trigger. The first deceleration trigger defines at least one first condition that, when met during accelerated processing of the first data flow, prompts returning processing of the first data flow from the network processing unit to the general processing unit for further inspection of subsequent packets.