Active packet content analyzer for communications network

Abstract

An active packet inspection device for a communications network, comprises a first terminal and a second terminal each adapted to couple the appliance in-line in the network and communicate data packets with network devices. A packet processor is coupled to the first terminal and second terminal and configured to normalize the data packets. A network search engine coupled to the packet processor and the memory, and configured to compare the data packets with the stored signatures, and when a match is found and other specified conditions are met, to perform an action identified in an associated rule. In one aspect, the network search engine includes a network search engine controller and a network search engine table including a memory configured to store a plurality of replicated signatures. Advantages of the invention include the ability to perform deep packet inspections actively on a communications network at high-speed.