Network Switch IP Packet Recording Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passive tap Internet Protocol (IP) recording techniques require dedicated recorders that introduce latency and inefficiencies in buffering and storing communications, which can lead to suboptimal use of storage resources and increased complexity in interfacing with communication networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a switching device within the network infrastructure to directly communicate and direct Internet Protocol (IP) packets associated with communications to be recorded to long-term storage, potentially reducing latency and optimizing storage usage by streaming data directly to network-attached storage without local buffering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated recorders with local buffering are used for recording communications, then recording reliability is improved, but latency increases and storage resource efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the buffering function from the recording system entirely, allowing IP packets to be recorded directly from the network switch to storage without being held in local buffers. This eliminates the time delay introduced by buffering while maintaining recording reliability through direct packet capture and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch acts as an intermediary that directly forwards IP packets to storage devices without requiring dedicated recorder intermediaries with local buffers. This mediator approach eliminates the latency introduced by traditional recorders while ensuring packets are captured and stored reliably.
2Reliability
If dedicated recorders with local buffering are deployed, then recording completeness is improved, but storage resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes storage devices serve multiple purposes: they act as both the recording destination and the primary storage resource for the entire network. By eliminating dedicated recorders with their own local buffers, the system achieves more efficient storage resource utilization while maintaining complete recording capability through direct network packet capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of recording, buffering, and long-term storage into a unified architecture where the network switch captures packets and forwards them directly to storage devices. This consolidation eliminates redundant buffering resources while ensuring complete recording of all communications.
3Reliability
If multiple dedicated recorders are deployed along communication routes, then recording coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes network switches perform the recording function in addition to their primary packet forwarding role. By enabling switches to capture and forward IP packets for recording, the system achieves comprehensive recording coverage without deploying dedicated recorders, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the packet forwarding function of network switches with the packet capture function needed for recording. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated recorders at various points in the network, reducing system complexity while maintaining complete recording coverage of all communications.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing recording as a network service are provided. A representative method incorporates: communicating instructions to a network, the instructions indicating that IP packets associated with a communication that is to be recorded are to be directed to long term storage such that the network: receives the instructions; determines whether Internet Protocol (IP) packets, which are being communicated by the network, are associated with a communication that is to be recorded; and directs information corresponding to the IP packets associated with the communication to a long term storage device.