Arrangement and a Method Relating to Flow of Packets in Communication Systems
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Abstract
An arrangement, system, and method for switching data packet flows in a communication system. A flow processing core classifies packet flows and defines processing flow sequences applicable to the packet flows. A distributing arrangement directs the packet flows to appropriate functional units or processors according to each packet flow'"'"'s applicable processing flow sequence. The current position of each packet flow in its respective processing flow sequence is indicated. Packet flow sequence information may be determined so that reclassification of already classified packets is avoided.
382 Citations
71 Claims
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1-43. -43. (canceled)
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44. An arrangement for directing flows of data packets in a communication system to processing units for performing operations on the data packets, said arrangement comprising:
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classifying means for classifying data packet flows and defining an applicable processing flow sequence for each packet flow;
distributing means for directing the packet flows to processing units according to the applicable flow sequence for each packet flow;
means for indicating a current position of each packet flow in the respective applicable processing flow sequence; and
means for determining packet flow sequence information such that re-classification of already classified packets is avoided. - View Dependent Claims (45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66)
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67. A packet-switched communication system comprising:
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a plurality of nodes supporting communication of packet data and providing access over a number of access networks; and
a plurality of arrangements for directing flows of data packets in the communication system to processing units for performing operations on the data packets, each of the arrangements comprising;
classifying means for classifying data packet flows and defining an applicable processing flow sequence for each packet flow;
distributing means for directing the packet flows to processing units according to the applicable flow sequence for each packet flow;
means for indicating a current position of each packet flow in the respective applicable processing flow sequence; and
means for determining packet flow sequence information such that re-classification of already classified packets is avoided.
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68. A method of directing flows of data packets in a communication system to processing units for performing operations on the data packets, said method comprising the steps of:
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inspecting a packet received from an access network by examining at least identity information, packet type, origin and destination information;
determining whether an applicable processing flow sequence is already established for the packet based on the inspecting step;
if an applicable processing flow sequence is already established for the packet;
associating the packet with the applicable flow sequence and a relevant processing step in the flow sequence; and
forwarding the packet to a relevant processing unit in the flow sequence;
if an applicable processing flow sequence is not already established for the packet;
classifying the packet dependent upon at least one of type of access, user, and type of service;
assigning a packet flow sequence comprising a relevant applicable processing step if an applicable policy is available;
classifying the packet with a temporary or default classification if an applicable policy is not available; and
forwarding the packet to the relevant processing unit. - View Dependent Claims (69, 70, 71)
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Specification