US 6,611,524 B2 · Programmable data packet parser

Abstract

A data packet parser, for determining packet format, is substantially software controlled, to readily accommodate new or different formats, without the need for using a microprocessor for parsing. Comparisons are performed under the control of data stored in a database. By storing new or different data in the database, new or different packet formats can accommodated without the need for making hardware changes. In one embodiment, comparisons performed on various fields of the data packet result in setting or clearing bits of a signature word which identifies the packet format. The signature word can be used directly or indirectly such as forming the input argument of a ternary CAM, to provide a pointer to microcode which appropriately handles the data packet in the identified format.

Claims44

Dependent claims

Apparatus for facilitating parsing of a network data packet comprising:

a memory device for storing a plurality of database entries,
at least a first comparator which is controlled, at least partially in response to data from one or more of said database entries, to perform comparison of at least one of the plurality of database entries with at least a portion and to output a first comparison result, of said data packet said first comparison result forming at least a first part of a signature word at least partially identifying a format of said data packet.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Programmable data packet parser

Life of this patent

Programmable data packet parser

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims44