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Expanding network functionalities for openflow based split-architecture networks

  • US 8,971,338 B2
  • Filed: 01/09/2012
  • Issued: 03/03/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/09/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method implemented by a network element functioning as a switch in a split-architecture network that includes a controller coupled to a plurality of switches, the method enabling the switch to provide high speed packet processing and enhanced network functionalities, the method comprising the steps of:

  • receiving a packet by the switch from a network through an input port of the switch;

    matching one or more header fields in the packet against a set of table entries in a set of flow tables to identify an action to be taken, the set of flow tables being part of an OpenFlow pipeline;

    identifying the action in a matching table entry as directing the packet to a designated one of a set of processing units in the switch, wherein the set of processing units in the switch are external to the OpenFlow pipeline;

    forwarding the packet to the designated processing unit from the OpenFlow pipeline via a communication channel in the switch;

    processing the packet by the designated processing unit with the enhanced network functionalities, wherein the enhanced network functionalities include functionalities that are not supported by the OpenFlow pipeline of the switch; and

    injecting the packet from the designated processing unit back to one of the flow tables in the OpenFlow pipeline before transmission of the packet to the network through an egress port of the switch.

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