Patent ID: 7746854
Filing Date: 2010-06-29
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of filtering data packets in a network device, said method comprising: receiving an incoming packet from a port of the network device; extracting, at the network device, packet fields of the incoming packet; classifying, at the network device, the incoming packet and generating action instructions based on values contained in the extracted packet fields; and modifying, at the network device, the incoming packet based on the action instructions and a predetermined criteria set for the network device, wherein the network device includes a cell channel configured to transport the incoming packet, a protocol channel synchronized with the cell channel and configured to direct a flow of the incoming packet, and a sideband channel decoupled from the cell channel and configured to communicate with a processor to receive rules according to which one or more of the extracting, classifying, or modifying occurs.