Patent ID: 7636908
Filing Date: 2009-12-22
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A processor-based method for generating a hardware description language (HDL) specification of a network packet processor, comprising: inputting a first specification in a textual language that specifies at least one handler of the network packet processor for processing a first plurality of network packets and producing a second plurality of network packets, each handler for processing a corresponding type of network packets and including at least one action for inspecting and modifying at least one field of a plurality of fields of the corresponding type of network packets; inputting a second specification in the textual language that specifies a plurality of characteristics of a plurality of ports of the network packet processor, the characteristics including respective data widths of the ports, the ports including at least one input port for receiving the first plurality of network packets and at least one output port for transmitting the second plurality of network packets; inputting a third specification in the textual language that specifies at least one behavioral constraint of the network packet processor; and generating by a processor a fourth specification of the network packet processor in the HDL in response to the first, second, and third specifications.