Nxp USA, Inc.

Ron Treves

Adi Katz

Evgeni Ginzburg

A method and apparatus are provided for classifying received network frames () by extracting frame header data (e.g., n-tuple) which is combined with a key insert value (e.g., embedded prefix value 'OP0, OP0, . . . OP0') to generate a lookup key (), where the key insert value is generated by decoding a key composition rule () to extract a constant value (OP0) and a repeat value (OP1), and then replicating the constant value one or more times specified by the repeat value.

Method and apparatus for coding a user defined constant into a key composition rule using variable length command

Methods and systems are disclosed for non-intrusive debug processing of network frames. For certain embodiments, a frame parser processes frames from a network interface and generates frame metadata. A key generation engine processes each frame and its related metadata to generate a normal key and a debug key. The same key composition rule formats and key generation engine are used to generate the normal key and the debug key to provide non-intrusive debug processing. Frame classification logic compares the normal key to classification tables to determine a frame classification for the received frame. Separate debug comparison logic compares the debug key to debug reference data/masks to generate debug markers for the received frame. The frame classification and the debug markers for each frame are provided to frame marking logic, and a frame processing engine then processes the resulting marked/classified frames.

Methods and systems for non-intrusive debug processing of network frames

Methods and systems are disclosed to embed valid-field (VF) bits into classification keys for network packet frames. The embedded VF bits allow for extracted data from existing fields associated with frame data to be distinguished from default data used for missing fields where this extracted data and default data has been included within a frame classification key generated for a network packet frame. In certain embodiments, a valid-field field extraction command (VF-FEC) causes a key generator to embed VF bits into a frame classification key, and the logic state of the VF bits are used to distinguish extracted data from default data. Further, the disclosed embodiments allow VF bits to be selectively cleared based upon a bit mask applied prior to embedding of the VF bits. Still further, users can define VF-FECs and other field extraction commands (FECs) for key generation through one or more programmable key composition rules.

Growing community of inventors

Kfar Saba, Israel

Ron Treves