Patent ID: 6434618
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A network element for a packet-based computer network comprising:a plurality of dynamically loaded programs, each of the programs being loaded into the network element separate from packets flowing from the computer network through the network element, each of the programs comprising separate instructions for: (1) defining one or more characteristics that a packet flowing through the network element from the computer network has to have for the program to execute on the packet; and (2) manipulating the packet if it has the defined characteristics associated with that program; and;a dispatcher for: (1) receiving a packet having the defined characteristics associated with one or more of the plurality of programs from the packets flowing through the network element from the computer network; (2) operating cooperatively with each program for which the received packet has the defined characteristics associated with that program to manipulate the received packet in accordance with the instructions of that program; and (3) inserting the manipulated received packet back into the computer network.