IN-LINE PACKET PROCESSING

摘要

A method and apparatus for in-line processing a data packet while routing the packet through a router in a system transmitting data packets between a source and a destination over a network including the router. The method includes receiving the data packet and pre-processing layer header data for the data packet as the data packet is received and prior to transferring any portion of the data packet to packet memory. The data packet is thereafter stored in the packet memory. A routing through the router is determined including a next hop index describing the next connection in the network. The data packet is retrieved from the packet memory and a new layer header for the data packet is constructed from the next hop index while the data packet is being retrieved from memory. The new layer header is coupled to the data packet prior to transfer from the router.

主权项

1. A method of in-line processing a data packet while routing the packet through a router in a system transmitting data packets between a source and a destination over a network including a router, the method comprising:
receiving the data packet; pre-processing layer header data for the data packet as the data packet is received and prior to transferring any portion of the data packet to packet memory; storing the data packet in the packet memory; determining a routing through the router including a next hop index describing the next connection in the network; retrieving the data packet from the packet memory; constructing a new layer header for the data packet from the next hop index while the data packet is being retrieved from memory; and coupling the new layer header to the data packet prior to transfer from the router.