Method and apparatus for processing data packets in a network
DCFirst Claim
1. A method for redirecting data frames in a network comprising the steps of:
- receiving a data frame at a port of a network device coupled to said network said data frame to be forwarded to a destination node in said network based on a destination address for said destination node associated with said data frame;
comparing contents of said data frame with a user defined filter; and
,processing said data frame depending on said user defined filter, wherein processing said data frame comprises the step of forwarding said data frame in said network device to at least one of a monitor port, a destination port associated with said destination node, or an additional destination port associated with an additional node other than said destination node or dropping said data frame, depending on said user defined filter.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for filtering data packets from a network device, such as a LAN switch, onto a network coupled thereto based on the content of the data packets. A pattern is defined and a forwarding action performed on data packets whose contents match or do not match the pattern, according to a specified condition. Filters may be configured on a per port basis, i.e., a filter can be applied to data packets entering or exiting a specific port on a networking device such as a LAN switch. A data packet received or transmitted at a port of a network device whose contents meet a condition specified by a filter may be processed in a number of ways: the packet may be forwarded to a normal destination port according to normal forwarding rules, forwarded to additional destination ports, forwarded to a monitor destination port, dropped, or subjected to another filter. The next filter may define a different forwarding action for data packets that do not meet the condition specified by the present filter.
219 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method for redirecting data frames in a network comprising the steps of:
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receiving a data frame at a port of a network device coupled to said network said data frame to be forwarded to a destination node in said network based on a destination address for said destination node associated with said data frame; comparing contents of said data frame with a user defined filter; and
,processing said data frame depending on said user defined filter, wherein processing said data frame comprises the step of forwarding said data frame in said network device to at least one of a monitor port, a destination port associated with said destination node, or an additional destination port associated with an additional node other than said destination node or dropping said data frame, depending on said user defined filter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for configuring filters in a network device for redirecting data frames in a network connected thereto, comprising the steps of:
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configuring according to user input received by the network device a first filter, said first filter comprising a first value, a first condition, and an identification of a second filter if said first condition is met; and configuring according to user input received by the network device a second filter, said second filter comprising a second value and a second condition. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. In a network device coupled to a network, a method of controlling a data frame transmitted on said network, comprising the steps of:
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a) comparing the contents of said data frame to a first filter; b) if said contents of said data frame match said first filter; 1) setting a forwarding action for said data frame; 2) jumping to a second filter identified by said first filter; 3) performing said forwarding action on said data frame if said contents of said data frame do not match said second filter; c) if said contents of said data frame do not match said first filter, jumping to a third filter identified by said first filter. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method of processing data frames in a network device coupled to a network comprising the steps of:
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a. setting a default forwarding action for said data frames; b. comparing the contents of a data frame to a first filter; c. if said contents of said data frame match said first filter, 1) setting a first forwarding action for said data frame; 2) if a second filter is identified by said first filter, jumping to said second filter; 3) if said second filter is not identified by said first filter, performing said first forwarding action on said data frame; d. if said contents of said data frame do not match said first filter, and 1) if a third filter is identified by said first filter, jumping to said third filter; 2) if said third filter is not identified by said first filter, performing said default forwarding action on said data frame. - View Dependent Claims (29)
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Specification