Edge-based packet processing for application recognition and intrusion detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packet inspection and analysis methods fail to create a unified representation capable of serving both application recognition and intrusion detection simultaneously, are hindered by packet structure diversity and encrypted traffic, and introduce latency and data loss due to external processing.

Innovation Solution

An edge-based network device with packet inspection logic generates a unified representation of tokens from packet headers and payloads, using encoders to integrate semantic and byte-level patterns, and deploys a multi-task learning model with adaptive classifiers for real-time application recognition and intrusion detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional packet inspection methods are used, then application recognition or intrusion detection can be performed, but a unified representation capable of serving both tasks simultaneously cannot be created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunified representation capabilityVSAvoidpacket structure diversity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a unified packet representation that serves multiple functions simultaneously - both application recognition and intrusion detection. This is achieved by designing a flexible data structure that can accommodate diverse packet types while providing a common interface for different analysis tasks, eliminating the need for separate processing pipelines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the packet processing into distinct components: a unified representation layer that handles diversity, and task-specific classifier layers that handle specific functions. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by separating the concerns of handling diverse packet structures from the concerns of performing specific analysis tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If external processing entities are used, then packet analysis can be performed, but latency is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket analysis speedVSAvoidprocessing latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by integrating the packet inspection logic directly within the network device. The network device performs application recognition and intrusion detection autonomously without requiring external processing entities, thereby eliminating transmission delays and reducing overall processing latency while maintaining analysis capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If downsampling is applied, then data processing load is reduced, but data loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoiddata loss during downsampling
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The unified packet representation is designed to be comprehensive yet efficient, capturing all necessary features for both application recognition and intrusion detection in a single structured format. This eliminates the need for downsampling while maintaining processing efficiency, as the representation includes only relevant information in an optimized structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If deep packet inspection is used, then application recognition and intrusion detection accuracy is improved, but encrypted traffic analysis becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidencrypted traffic handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by treating different packet components differently - using payload inspection where applicable and relying on header/metadata analysis for encrypted traffic. The unified representation structure allows the system to adapt its inspection depth and methods based on the specific packet type and encryption status, maintaining accuracy across diverse traffic types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250317457A1Edge-based packet processing for application recognition and intrusion detection
Publication Date: 2025.10.09 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US20250317457A1 patent drawing
  • US20250317457A1 patent drawing
  • US20250317457A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Devices, systems, methods, and processes for facilitating edge-based packet processing for application recognition and intrusion detection are described herein. A packet inspection logic, deployed at an edge-based network device, receives a packet comprising header(s) and a payload, generates a sequence of tokens, and encodes the sequence of tokens into a unified representation that is suitable for both application recognition and intrusion detection. The packet inspection logic provides the unified representation as a shared input to a plurality of classifiers and obtains a set of classification results as output of the plurality of classifiers. The set of classification results indicates an application associated with the packet and whether the packet is a legitimate packet or an anomalous packet. This approach enhances real-time decision-making at the edge-based network device for application recognition and intrusion detection.