METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING TRAFFIC IN A DATA COMMUNICATION NETWORK
First Claim
1. A method of handling data traffic in an NI (network interface) device comprising a CPU and communicating with a data communication network, the method comprising:
- receiving data traffic in the NI;
determining that the quantity of received data packets to be routed by the CPU has exceeded a threshold value;
offloading a portion of the received data traffic if the threshold value has been exceeded.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for offloading data traffic routing from one NI (network interface) to another. The NI receives data traffic, and that portion of the data traffic that must be L3 routed is passed to the CPU of the NI though a token bucket meter or equivalent metering device that selectively designates a portion of the routing traffic to another NI for routing. The portion of the traffic designated corresponds to the capacity of the CPU and offloading a portion of the data traffic helps to reduce the number of packets that are discarded when a CPU is overloaded. The threshold for determining when and in what quantity the data traffic should be offloaded is either statically or dynamically set, and in the latter case may be updated automatically when traffic levels and, in some implementations, other considerations require.
33 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of handling data traffic in an NI (network interface) device comprising a CPU and communicating with a data communication network, the method comprising:
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receiving data traffic in the NI; determining that the quantity of received data packets to be routed by the CPU has exceeded a threshold value; offloading a portion of the received data traffic if the threshold value has been exceeded. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An NI for use in a data communications network, comprising:
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a CPU for routing data traffic; a memory device for storing routing information; and a meter for designating routing traffic that exceeds a threshold amount for routing by at least a second NI. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A system for handling data traffic, comprising:
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a first NI, comprising a CPU for routing data traffic and a meter for designating traffic that exceeds a threshold amount be forwarded to another NI for routing; a second NI comprising a second CPU for routing data traffic; and an inter-NI link operable for data communication between the first NI and the second NI. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification