Method, apparatus and computer program product for performing data packet classification

A method for classifying a data packet in a network interface, comprising the steps of:

• (a) receiving a plurality of classification parameters;
• (b) generating a plurality of optimized program modules, each of said plurality of program modules for testing for adherence to at least one corresponding classification parameter;
• (c) receiving the data packet;
• (d) generating a header, said header indicating whether one or more predefined fields are present in the data packet and identifying a location of said one or more predefined fields in the data packet when present;
• (e) serially executing said plurality of program modules, wherein each of said plurality of program modules receives said header and generates a test result based on contents of said header and contents of the data packet used to generate the header, until one of said plurality of program modules generates a failing test result;
• and
• (f) processing the data packet based on whether a failing test result was generated in step (e).

A method for classifying a data packet in a network interface, comprising the steps of:

• (a) receiving a plurality of classification parameters;
• (b) generating a plurality of program modules, each of said plurality of program modules for testing for adherence to at least one corresponding classification parameter;
• (c) receiving the data packet;
• (d) executing each of said plurality of program modules, wherein each of said plurality of program modules generates a test result based on contents of the data packet;
• and
• (e) processing the data packet based on said test results from said plurality of program modules.

A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer program logic for enabling a processor in a network interface to classify a data packet, comprising:

• a first means for enabling the processor to receive a plurality of classification parameters;
• a second means for enabling the processor to generate a plurality of program modules, each of said plurality of program modules for testing for adherence to at least one corresponding classification parameter;
• a third means for enabling the processor to receive the data packet;
• a fourth means for enabling the processor to generate a header, said header indicating whether one or more predefined fields are present in the data packet and identifying a location of said one or more predefined fields of the data packet when present;
• a fifth means for enabling the processor to execute each of said plurality of program modules, wherein each of said plurality of program modules receives said header and generates a test result based on contents of said header and contents of said data packet;
• and
• a sixth means for enabling the processor to process the data packet based on said test results from said plurality of program modules.