Hash-Based Selection Of Network Packets For Packet Flow Sampling In Network Communication Systems

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for hash-based selection of network packets for packet flow sampling in network communication systems. Input packets associated with packet flows within a network communication system are received by a hash-based sampler. The hash-based sampler then generates hash values for the input packets based upon fields within the input packets. These fields are selected to identify packet flows for the input packets. The hash values for the input packets are then compared to a mask. The mask is configured to determine a subset of packet flows for which to forward packets. Based upon this comparison, certain input packets are selected to be forwarded for further processing, and non-selected packets are discarded. The further processing can include processing the selected input packets to generate flow statistics data (e.g., IPFIX) for the selected input packets.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.