Patent ID: 8582432
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: H04L,Y02D

Abstract:
1. A network device comprising: a processor; memory operatively connected to said processor to store software programs and data; detection logic configured to detect selected values in portions of each frame in each of a plurality of frame flows; a plurality of hardware counters operatively coupled to said processor and operatively connected to said detection logic and configured to count frame flow activity; and a software program stored in said memory to be executed by said processor to: logically partition said plurality of frame flows into a first set and a second set based on frame flow activity, each frame flow having an associated count value, wherein said first set has associated an equivalent number of hardware counters for counting frame flow activity as there are frame flows in said first set, and wherein said second set has associated a smaller number of hardware counters for counting frame flow activity than there are frame flows in said second set; periodically determine frame flow activity for frame flows having associated hardware counters and update the associated count values for said frame flows; assign frame flows with the highest count values to the first set and configure the hardware counters as required; and assign the remaining frame flows to said second set, change which frame flows of said second set have associated hardware counters and configure the hardware counters as required so that all frame flows in said second set are periodically associated with hardware counters to determine count values.