Programmable packet classification system using an array of uniform content-addressable memories
First Claim
1. A method for classifying packets in an intermediate node, the method comprising the steps of:
- generating a first rule and first criterion using information associated with a packet at an initial classification stage of a classification engine in the node;
generating a final rule at an intermediate classification stage of the engine using the first rule and first criterion; and
generating an identifier associated with the packet at a final classification stage of the engine using the final rule.
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Abstract
A versatile and efficient technique for classifying packets in an intermediate node. According to the technique, criteria and rules associated with the packet are applied to one or more classification stages containing content-addressable memories (CAMs). Each stage examines specific criteria associated with the packet, e.g., a packet field, and generates a rule and additional criteria. The additional rule and criteria are provided to the next classification stage. This process continues until a final rule is provided to a final classification stage. At the final classification stage, the final rule is used to generate an identifier, e.g., queue identifier (ID), associated with the classified packet.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for classifying packets in an intermediate node, the method comprising the steps of:
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generating a first rule and first criterion using information associated with a packet at an initial classification stage of a classification engine in the node;
generating a final rule at an intermediate classification stage of the engine using the first rule and first criterion; and
generating an identifier associated with the packet at a final classification stage of the engine using the final rule. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A classification engine system comprising:
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an initial classification stage configured to generate a first rule and a first criterion using information associated with a packet;
an intermediate classification stage coupled to the initial classification stage and configured to generate a final rule using the first rule and the first criterion; and
a final classification stage coupled to the intermediate classification stage and configured to generate an identifier associated with the packet using the final rule. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An apparatus comprising:
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a classification engine;
means for generating a first rule and first criterion using information associated with a packet at an initial classification stage of the classification engine;
means for generating a final rule at an intermediate classification stage of the classification engine using the first rule and first criterion; and
means for generating an identifier associated with the packet at a final stage of the classification engine using the final rule.
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21. A computer readable medium comprising computer executable instructions for execution in a processor for:
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generating a first rule and a first criterion using information associated with a packet at an initial classification stage;
generating a final rule at an intermediate classification stage using the first rule and first criterion; and
generating an identifier associated with the packet at a final classification stage using the final rule.
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Specification