Virtual application of features to electronic messages
US7082477B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L63/164
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for virtual application of features to electronic messages is disclosed. When a device applies a set of features to an electronic message, one or more of the features may be virtually applied instead of actually applied. For example, instead of encrypting a payload portion of a packet and adding an encryption header, the packet may not be encrypted. However, an appropriate encryption header may still be included in the packet such that the packet appears to have been encrypted when other features are applied. Prior to sending the packet, the payload portion is actually encrypted, such as by using a hardware accelerator. Some implementations may use a dual processor router, in which the input/output processor controls the hardware accelerator, the routing processor performs the virtual application of a feature, and prior to sending the packet the input/output processor actually applies the virtually applied feature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.