Classifying packets

摘要

Classifying packets is disclosed. In some embodiments, a packet can be classified once for a plurality of nodes. The classification of a packet can be used at a receiving node to determine the receiving node policy for the packet. In some embodiments, the classification of a packet is specified by a classification index associated with the packet. In some embodiments, the receiving node policy for the packet can be determined by performing a lookup in a data structure associated with the receiving node based at least in part on the classification index of the packet. In some embodiments, the classification of the packet is sufficient to specify not only the receiving node policy but also a plurality of policies of a plurality of nodes.

主权项

1. A method for processing a packet, comprising:
determining if the packet is classified according to an attribute of a classification index, the classification index being a part of a set of one or more classification indices and said attribute includes a classification index valid bit; and using, when the packet has been classified, the classification data of the packet to determine a node-specific policy of the receiving node applicable to the packet, wherein a plurality of node-specific policies associated with a plurality of nodes is specified using the classification data, the plurality of nodes including the receiving node, wherein at least two of the plurality of node-specific policies are different, and wherein the at least two node-specific policies are associated with respective at least two different nodes of the plurality of nodes.