Programmable data packet parser
US6611524B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2012/5651
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.