Encapsulating packets for network chip conduit port
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorsBruce LaVigne, John Wickeraad, Lewis Kootstra, Jonathan Watts
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems, methods, and devices are provided for moving packets on a network device. One method includes receiving packets to a number of network chips, the number of network chips having a conduit port which can be selectively chosen to exchange packets with a processor responsible for processing packets. The method includes adding data for additional functionality to certain packets. Adding data includes encapsulating the certain packets to maintain an appearance of a certain packet format.
Claims26
A network device, comprising:
- a processor responsible for processing packets on the device;
- a high speed interconnect;
- a number of network chips coupled to one another through the high speed interconnect;
- wherein the number of network chips have a conduit port which can be selectively chosen to exchange packets with the processor;
- and
- wherein a network chip is adapted to add additional data, for additional functionality, to certain packets in order to send the certain packets to the processor.
A network device, comprising:
- a number of network chips coupled to one another through a high speed interconnect of the device, the number of network chips having a conduit port which can be selectively chosen to exchange packets, received to any network chip on the device, with a processor responsible for processing packets;
- wherein the processor includes a single conduit port to receive packets from a selected conduit port on one of the number of network chips;
- and
- wherein each network chip and the processor is adapted to add data for additional functionality to each packet.
A network device, comprising:
- a number of network chips coupled to one another through a high speed interconnect on the device;
- a processor responsible for processing packets, received to any network chip on the device, wherein the processor includes a single conduit port to receive packets from the number of network chips;
- and
- means for adding additional data for additional functionality to each packet, and passing the packets through a switching structure in a conduit path while maintaining a predetermined packet format.
A method for moving packets on a network device, comprising:
- receiving packets to a number of network chips, the number of network chips having a conduit port which can be selectively chosen to exchange packets with a processor responsible for processing packets;
- adding additional data for additional functionality to each packet;
- using a high speed interconnect to connect a number of network chips on the device;
- and
- wherein adding additional data includes encapsulating each packet to maintain a predetermined packet format.
A method for moving packets on a network device, comprising:
- coupling a number of network chips to one another through a high speed interconnect on the device, the number of network chips having a conduit port which can be selectively chosen to exchange packets with a processor responsible for processing packets;
- receiving Ethernet frame packets to external ports on the number of network chips;
- and
- adding additional data for additional functionality to packets intended for the processor;
- and
- encapsulating each packet to maintain an appearance of Ethernet frame format.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.