SFP Module Packet Processing for Legacy Network Upgrades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy networking equipment in data networks is difficult to upgrade for advanced packet processing functions, making it costly to replace existing equipment to manage increasing data traffic from services like videoconferencing and video streaming.

Innovation Solution

A small form-factor pluggable (SFP) module that processes data packets by inspecting their payload and selectively modifying the header information, allowing legacy equipment to perform advanced packet processing tasks such as switching and routing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If legacy networking equipment is upgraded with new software or hardware, then advanced packet processing functions can be added, but the equipment remains limited to basic packet processing functions and the upgrade is costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket processing capabilityVSAvoidequipment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SFP module acts as an intermediary device between the legacy networking equipment and the communication link. It performs advanced packet processing functions (inspecting payload, modifying headers) externally to the legacy equipment, allowing the equipment to maintain its simple structure while gaining enhanced packet processing capabilities through the modular SFP transceiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If all existing networking equipment is replaced to manage increasing data traffic, then advanced functions and performance can be achieved, but the cost becomes prohibitively expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata traffic handling capacityVSAvoidequipment replacement cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the packet processing functionality from the main networking equipment by placing it in the SFP module. This allows the advanced packet processing capabilities to be added incrementally through individual SFP module replacements rather than requiring complete equipment replacement, thereby reducing overall costs while improving data traffic handling capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If legacy networking equipment is maintained without upgrades, then cost is reduced, but the equipment cannot perform advanced packet processing functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance costVSAvoidpacket processing function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The SFP module provides multi-functionality by combining basic transceiver operations with advanced packet processing capabilities (payload inspection, header modification, routing decisions). This universal module can be inserted into existing legacy equipment to provide both maintenance cost efficiency and enhanced packet processing functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10523795B2Small form-factor pluggable module

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A small form-factor pluggable (SFP) module and related method are provided to perform additional packet processing in a communication network. The SFP module is generally configured to at least partially process data packets as they transit from a first networking equipment toward a second networking equipment in order to modify or otherwise update header information of the packets as a function of the content of their data payload. Modifying header information of data packets as they transit between interconnected networking equipments allows interconnected networking equipments to perform packet processing on the modified header information.