Protocol-Independent Packet Header Analysis
First Claim
1. A method of analyzing a packet header in a data communications system, the method comprising:
- a) using a first descriptor mask to control selective comparison between one or more bits of the packet header and one or more bits of a first session descriptor; and
b) generating a first comparison result that indicates whether all of the one or more bits of the packet header match corresponding ones of the one or more bits of the first session descriptor.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Analyzing a packet header in a data communications system involves using a descriptor mask to control selective comparison between one or more bits of the packet header and one or more bits of a session descriptor. Setting a mask bit to one state indicates that a comparison between a corresponding bit of a received packet header and a corresponding bit of a session descriptor should be performed, whereas setting the mask bit to an alternative state indicates that no comparison should be performed. A comparison result is generated that indicates whether all of the one or more bits of the packet header match corresponding ones of the one or more bits of the first session descriptor. The descriptor mask and session descriptor are programmable, so that the comparison hardware design is protocol-independent.
15 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of analyzing a packet header in a data communications system, the method comprising:
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a) using a first descriptor mask to control selective comparison between one or more bits of the packet header and one or more bits of a first session descriptor; and b) generating a first comparison result that indicates whether all of the one or more bits of the packet header match corresponding ones of the one or more bits of the first session descriptor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus for analyzing a packet header in a data communications system, the apparatus comprising:
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a) logic configured to use a first descriptor mask to control selective comparison between one or more bits of the packet header and one or more bits of a first session descriptor; and b) logic configured to generate a first comparison result that indicates whether all of the one or more bits of the packet header match corresponding ones of the one or more bits of the first session descriptor. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification