Patent ID: 7031267
Filing Date: 2006-04-18
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for updating the configuration of a programmable logic device-based packet filtering system (“PLD system”) operating to filter packets received from a packet-based network, wherein filtering rules are used to determine whether a packet is to be junked, comprising the steps of: operating the PLD system in accordance with first configuration data, wherein, in accordance with the first configuration data, the PLD system receives packets including at least first packets from the network, filters the first packets based on the filtering rules, and transmits the filtered first packets to an electronic connection coupled to the PLD system, wherein the PLD system filters the first packets at least in part based on source or destination address information and based on the first configuration data; receiving second configuration data for the PLD system sent from a computing system, wherein the second configuration data is selectively received by the PLD system based on version identification information for the PLD system, wherein the second configuration data are different from the first configuration data; loading the second configuration data into the PLD system; and operating the PLD system in accordance with the second configuration data, wherein, in accordance with the second configuration data, the PLD system receives packets including at least second packets from the network, filters the second packets based on the filtering rules, and transmits the filtered second packets to the electronic connection coupled to the PLD system, wherein PLD system filters the second packets at least in part based on source or destination address information and based on the second configuration data.