Systems and methods for externalizing network functions via packet trunking
US9948556B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L61/2592
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The methods and systems described herein provide a mechanism to externalize network functions through a direct link between a network switch and an external packet processor. The network switch is configured to receive a packet directed to a destination node via a first network interface. The network switch is also configured to forward the received packet to a packet processor, via a second network interface, over a direct physical link between the network switch and the packet processor. The packet is forwarded with an identifier for a virtualized network function executing on the packet processor and a destination MAC address of the packet is different from a MAC address of the packet processor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.