Network device data plane sandboxes for third-party controlled packet forwarding paths
US9967210B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L45/745
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In some examples, a network device comprises a first application and a second application; a forwarding unit comprising an interface card to receive a packet; a packet processor; an internal forwarding path of the forwarding unit; a forwarding unit processor; a first interface; and a second interface. The first application is configured to configure, via the first interface, the internal forwarding path to include a sandbox that comprises a container for instructions to be configured inline within the internal forwarding path. The second application is configured to configure, via the second interface, the sandbox with second instructions that determine processing of packets within the sandbox. The packet processor is configured to process, in response to determining a packet received by the forwarding unit is associated with a packet flow controlled at least in part by the second application, the packet by executing the second instructions configured for the sandbox.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.