F5 Networks, Inc.

Qi Lu

Hao Cai

Bill Baumann

Randal Pope

Performance of connection flow management between a hardware-based network interface and a software module of a network traffic management device is disclosed. A flow connection setup for a flow connection is established between a client device and a server at the network traffic management device. It is then determined if the flow connection is symmetrical or asymmetrical in nature. A flow signature entry and a transformation data entry for the flow connection is generated, by software executed by the network traffic management device, in opposing first and second symmetric or asymmetric flow directions. The flow signature entry and the transformation data entry for the first and second flow directions is sent from the software module to the network interface. The network interface stores and utilizes the flow signature entry and the transformation data entry to perform acceleration on data packets in the first and second flow directions.

System and method for achieving hardware acceleration for asymmetric flow connections

A method and system for preventing excessive flood packets from switching devices in a network for routing packets between a source station having an address and a destination station in the network having an address. A first packet directed toward the destination station is received over the network via an incoming traffic switch. The incoming traffic switch includes a table without the address of the destination station. The first packet is flooded over the plurality of switches. The flooded first packet is received at a front facing switch coupled to the destination station. The front facing switch has a table including the source address of the packet. The source address of packet is flushed from the table of the front facing switch. A response packet is sent from the destination station to the source station. The response packet is flooded to the incoming traffic switch. The flooded response packet is received at the incoming traffic switch. The table of the incoming traffic switch is updated with the address of the destination station.

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Kirkland, WA, United States of America

Qi Lu