System and method for processing network packet flows

US7095715B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• 3Com Corporation · US

Inventors

• Charles R. Buckman · Austin, US
• Dennis Cox · Round Rock, US
• Donovan Kolbly · Austin, US
• Craig Cantrell · Austin, US
• Brian Smith · Fort Worth, US
• Jon H. Werner · Austin, US
• Marc Willebeek-LeMair · Austin, US
• Joe Wayne Blackard · Austin, US
• Francis S. Webster, III · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 2, 2001
• Grant date: Aug 22, 2006
• Expiry date: Feb 13, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L69/12
• WIPO field: Digital communication
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A system and method provides a broadband network node for a best effort network such as the Internet or intranets which supports the inexpensive and rapid deployment of services to the best efforts network. Separate data path and control path mechanisms allow high-speed data transfers with parallel processing flows for the data path that are controlled across data flows by the control path. Packets are classified, modified and shaped to enable the service on the network with an accountant to track packet traffic for control and billing purposes. A series of processing blades perform a modification function for each blade that processes packets according to classifications. The processing blades are modular and scalable for insertion in the broad band switch to rapidly adapt the broadband network node for new services.