IP checksum offload
First Claim
1. Method for use by a control unit in checksum operations for predetermined packets, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a first data link between the control unit and a host computer of a network, the first data link being for passing a selected portion of the predetermined packets; and
providing a second data link between the control unit and the host computer for passing a remaining portion of the predetermined packets;
wherein at least one packet, as received by the control unit from the network, contains a checksum value, and the control unit selects one of the first and second data links via which to transmit the at least one packet to the host computer based upon whether the checksum value is verified by the control unit as correct for the at least one packet.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A technique enables a control unit to perform checksum operations for packets, which operations are otherwise performed by a host computer of a computer network. The technique involves the use of two data links coupled between the host and control unit; one data link is used for exchanging "normal" IP packets without checksum operations performed thereon by the control unit and the other link is used for exchanging IP packets that have undergone or will undergo checksum operations by the control unit. By "offloading" checksum operations to the control unit, the technique reduces processor cycles consumed by the host, thereby improving the performance of the host computer and network.
183 Citations
13 Claims
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1. Method for use by a control unit in checksum operations for predetermined packets, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a first data link between the control unit and a host computer of a network, the first data link being for passing a selected portion of the predetermined packets; and providing a second data link between the control unit and the host computer for passing a remaining portion of the predetermined packets; wherein at least one packet, as received by the control unit from the network, contains a checksum value, and the control unit selects one of the first and second data links via which to transmit the at least one packet to the host computer based upon whether the checksum value is verified by the control unit as correct for the at least one packet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. Apparatus for enabling a control unit to perform checksum operations for Internet protocol (IP) packets, the apparatus comprising:
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a channel connecting a host computer of a network to the control unit, the channel including (i) a first logical data link for transporting a selected portion of the IP packets and (ii) a second logical data link for transporting a remaining portion of the IP packets; wherein at least one packet as received by the control unit from the network, contains a checksum value, and the control unit is configured to select one of the first and second data links via which to transmit the at least one packet to the host computer based upon whether the checksum value is verified by the control unit as correct for the at least one packet. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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Specification