Apparatus, system, and method for timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within networks

The disclosed apparatus may include (1) at least one communication port that facilitates communication between a source computing device and a destination computing device via a path within a network and (2) a processing unit communicatively coupled to the communication port, wherein the processing unit (A) monitors the network for any changes to the path that potentially affect a maximum transmission unit of the path, (B) detects, while monitoring the network, a change to at least one hop included in the path, and then in response to detecting the change to the hop, (C) identifies a packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit of the path, and (D) tests the path for an increase in the maximum transmission unit by transmitting a packet whose size is larger than the packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

The maximum transmission unit of a path within a network may change over time. In this context, the maximum transmission unit may represent and/or refer to the size of the largest packet capable of being transmitted from a source to a destination via a path within a network. For example, a path may facilitate communication between a source and a destination within a network. In this example, the path may include and/or involve a series of hops. In the event that the source transmits a packet whose size is larger than the maximum transmission unit of a hop included in the path, the hop may drop the packet and send back an error message indicating that the packet is too big (sometimes referred to as a “Packet Too Big” message).

In a traditional approach to detecting increases in the maximum transmission unit of a path, a source may periodically transmit a packet whose size is larger than the previously determined maximum transmission unit of the path. For example, the source may transmit a larger packet every 10 minutes or so in an effort to determine whether the maximum transmission unit of the path has recently increased. In the event that the source does not receive a “Packet Too Big” message in response, the source may determine that the maximum transmission unit of the router has increased. As a result, the source may begin transmitting data over the path using larger packets.

Unfortunately, since this traditional approach involves testing on a periodic basis, the source may be unable to detect increases in the maximum transmission unit at or near the time they take place. For example, the source may fail to detect an increase in the maximum transmission unit of the path for nearly 10 minutes after the occurrence. The instant disclosure, therefore, identifies and addresses a need for improved apparatuses, systems, and methods for timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within networks.

SUMMARY

As will be described in greater detail below, the instant disclosure generally relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within networks. In one example, an apparatus for accomplishing such a task may include (1) at least one communication port that facilitates communication between a source computing device and a destination computing device via a path within a network and (2) a processing unit communicatively coupled to the communication port, wherein the processing unit (A) monitors the network for any changes to the path that potentially affect a maximum transmission unit of the path, (B) detects, while monitoring the network, a change to at least one hop included in the path, and then in response to detecting the change to the hop, (C) identifies a packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit of the path, and (D) tests the path for an increase in the maximum transmission unit of the path by transmitting a packet whose size is larger than the packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit of the path.

A corresponding method may include (1) monitoring a network for any changes that potentially affect a maximum transmission unit of a path that facilitates communication between a source computing device and a destination computing device within the network, (2) detecting, while monitoring the network, a change to at least one hop included in the path, and then in response to detecting the change to the hop, (3) identifying a packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit of the path, and (4) testing the path for an increase in the maximum transmission unit of the path by transmitting a packet whose size is larger than the packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit of the path.

Similarly, a network device incorporating the above-described apparatus may include (1) at least one communication port that facilitates communication between the network device and a destination computing device via a path within a network and (2) a processing unit communicatively coupled to the communication port, wherein the processing unit (A) monitors the network for any changes to the path that potentially affect a maximum transmission unit of the path by using a traceroute tool that facilitates tracing the path on a periodic basis, (B) detects, while monitoring the network using the traceroute tool, a change to at least one hop included in the path, and then in response to detecting the change to the hop, (C) identifies a packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit of the path, and (D) tests the path for an increase in the maximum transmission unit of the path by transmitting a packet whose size is larger than the packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit of the path.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure describes various apparatuses, systems, and methods for timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within networks. As will be explained in greater detail below, embodiments of the instant disclosure may enable network devices to detect increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths in a more timely fashion than traditional approaches. For example, these embodiments may enable network devices to detect increases in the maximum transmission unit of the paths at the point in time that the paths experience topology changes instead of having to wait for the next polling cycle. As a result, these embodiments may enable the network devices to achieve more effective bandwidth utilization.

The term “path,” as used herein, generally refers to any type or form of link and/or series of devices that facilitates communication and/or the flow of traffic between a source and a destination within a network. In one example, a path may include and/or represent a series of hops that carry packets from a source computing device to a destination computing device (or vice versa) within a network.

The term “maximum transmission unit,” as used herein, generally refers to the largest packet size capable of being transmitted by a computing device and/or over a path without fragmentation. In one example, the maximum transmission unit of a path within an Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) network may range between 68 bytes and 64 kilobytes. Similarly, the maximum transmission unit of a path within an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) network may range between 1280 bytes and 64 kilobytes. Alternatively, the maximum transmission unit of a path within an IPv6 network may reach up to 4 gigabytes by way of the jumbogram option.

The maximum transmission unit is often referred to as and/or abbreviated to “MTU”, and the maximum transmission unit of a path is often referred to as Path MTU and/or abbreviated to “PMTU”. In addition, the process of determining the PMTU of a path within a network is often referred to as PMTU discovery and/or abbreviated to “PMTUD”.

The following will provide, with reference toFIG. 1, an example of an apparatus that facilitate timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within networks. The discussion corresponding toFIGS. 2, 3, and 4will provide detailed descriptions of exemplary implementations of the apparatus fromFIG. 1. The discussions corresponding toFIG. 5will provide detailed descriptions of an exemplary record that identifies each hop included in a path within a network. The discussion corresponding toFIG. 6will provide a detailed description of an exemplary method for timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within networks. Finally, the discussion corresponding toFIG. 7will provide numerous examples of systems that may incorporate the apparatus fromFIG. 1.

FIG. 1shows a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus100for timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within networks. Apparatus100generally represents any type or form of system, device, and/or mechanism that facilitates timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within networks. Examples of apparatus100include, without limitation, computing devices, network devices, routers, switches, hubs, modems, bridges, repeaters, gateways, multiplexers, network adapters, servers, portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable apparatus.

As shown inFIG. 1, apparatus100may include a processing unit106with access to and/or in communication with a communication port102. The term “processing unit,” as used herein, generally refers to any type or form of physical hardware, circuit, device, and/or processor that performs certain Input/Output (I/O) operations and/or computing tasks. In one example, processing unit106may include and/or represent an integrated circuit whose configuration and/or infrastructure is at least partially fixed. Additionally or alternatively, processing unit106may represent an integrated circuit whose configuration and/or infrastructure is at least partially variable and/or programmable. Examples of processing unit106include, without limitation, processors, microprocessors, microcontrollers, Central Processing Units (CPUs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), software modules installed one or more of the same, portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable processing unit.

The term “communication port,” as used herein, generally refers to any type or form of physical interface, device, and/or housing that forms at least a portion of a connection, link, and/or path within a network. In some examples, communication port102may connect and/or link a source computing device with a destination computing device by way of a path within a network. Additionally or alternatively, communication port102may facilitate communication between a source computing device and a destination computing device via a path within a network. Examples of communication port102include, without limitation, Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) ports, Ethernet ports, Fibre Channel ports, optical ports, InfiniBand ports, CXP connectors, Multiple-Fiber Push-On/Pull-Off (MPO) connectors, XAUI ports, XFP transceivers, XFI interfaces, C Form-factor Pluggable (CFP) transceivers, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable communication ports. AlthoughFIG. 1illustrates a single communication port, apparatus100may include various communication ports in addition to communication port102.

In some examples, apparatus100may achieve timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within a network by monitoring the networks for certain events that are likely to affect the maximum transmission unit of those paths. For example, increases in the maximum transmission unit may occur in response to changes in the topology of the network. Accordingly, apparatus100may achieve timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within the network by monitoring the network for any changes to the topology.

By monitoring the network in this way, apparatus100may be able to detect increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths based at least in part on event-driven triggers, as opposed to simply assuming such increases periodic polling cycles and waiting to determine whether any “Packet Too Big” messages are issued as a result. Examples of changes that are likely to affect the maximum transmission unit of paths include, without limitation, the addition of network devices to paths, the removal of network devices from paths, the replacement of network devices included in paths with other network devices, the reconfiguration of network devices included in paths, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable changes in the topology of a network.

In some examples, processing unit106may be communicatively coupled to communication port102. In such examples, processing unit106may monitor a network that includes apparatus100for any changes to a path that communicatively links and/or connects apparatus100with a destination computing device via the path. These changes to the path may potentially affect the maximum transmission unit of the path. While monitoring the network in this way, processing unit106may detect a change to a hop included in the path.

As a specific example, this change may include and/or represent the addition of a hop to the path. In another example, this change may include and/or represent the removal of a hop from the path. In a further example, this change may include and/or represent the replacement of a hop included in the path with another hop. In an additional example, this change may include and/or represent the reconfiguration of a hop included in the path.

The term “hop,” as used herein, generally refers to any type or form of computing device capable of forwarding network traffic and/or facilitating the flow of network traffic. Examples of hops include, without limitation, computing devices, network devices, routers, switches, hubs, modems, bridges, repeaters, gateways, multiplexers, network adapters, servers, portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable hop.

In some examples, the detection of this change to the path may represent and/or amount to an event that triggers and/or initiates a test to determine whether the maximum transmission unit of the path has increased. For example, in response to detecting this change to the path, processing unit106may identify a packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit of the path. Put another way, processing unit106may identify the maximum transmission unit of the path, which is often expressed as the number of bytes capable of being transmitted in a single a packet and/or frame over the path.

In the event that the network implements IPv4, this packet size may range anywhere from 68 bytes to 64 kilobytes. Alternatively, in the event that the network implements IPv6, this packet size may range anywhere from 1280 bytes to 64 kilobytes (or even up to 4 gigabytes with the jumbogram option).

Upon identifying the packet size corresponding to the maximum transmission unit of the path, processing unit106may test for an increase in the maximum transmission unit of the path by transmitting a packet104whose size is larger than the maximum transmission unit of the path. The term “packet,” as used herein, generally refers to any type or form of package, encapsulation, abstraction, and/or object that includes one or more formatted units of data. Examples of packet120include, without limitation, IPv4 packets, IPv6 packets, User Data Protocol (UDP) packets, Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) packets, MultiProtocol Label Switching (MPLS) packets, Gateway-to-Gateway Protocol (GGP) packets, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) packets, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable packet.

As a specific example, in the event that the last-determined maximum transmission unit of the path is 1400 bytes, processing unit106may transmit a packet whose size is 1500 bytes over the path. In one example, processing unit106may determine that the maximum transmission unit of the path has increased by verifying that no “Packet Too Big” message is issued by any of the hops included in the path in response to the larger packet. Additionally or alternatively, processing unit106may determine that the maximum transmission unit of the path has increased by verifying that the larger packet reaches its destination without undergoing fragmentation along the path or being dropped altogether.

FIG. 2shows a block diagram of an exemplary implementation200of apparatus100for timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within networks. As illustrated inFIG. 2, implementation200may include apparatus100in communication with computing devices202(1)-(N) via a network204. The term “network,” as used herein, generally refers to any type or form of medium and/or architecture that facilitates communication or data transfer. In one example, network204may represent an IPv4 or IPv6 network that includes a plurality of computing devices.

Examples of network204include, without limitation, an IPv4 network, an IPv6 network, an MPLS network, an intranet, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), the Internet, Power Line Communications (PLC), a cellular network (e.g., a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network), portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable network. Network204may facilitate communication or data transfer using wireless or wired connections. Although apparatus100and computing devices202(1)-(N) are illustrated as being external to network204inFIG. 2, apparatus100and/or computing devices202(1)-(N) may alternatively represent portions of network204and/or be included in network204.

The term “computing device,” as used herein, generally refers to any type or form of device capable of reading computer-executable instructions. In some examples, computing devices202(1)-(N) may include and/or represent network devices that send and/or receive data packets. Examples of computing devices202(1)-(N) include, without limitation, network devices, routers, switches, modems, gateways, hubs, repeaters, servers, laptops, desktops, mobile devices, internet-enabled televisions, and/or BLU-RAY players, portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable types of computing devices.

In some examples, computing devices202(1)-(N) may facilitate network traffic between other computing devices. For example, computing devices202(1)-(N) may forward certain network traffic to end-point and/or destination devices that are not illustrated inFIG. 2. Alternatively, computing devices202(1)-(N) may include and/or represent end-point and/or destination computing devices.

FIG. 3shows an additional exemplary implementation300for timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within networks. As illustrated inFIG. 3, implementation300may include a source computing device302in communication with a destination computing device306via a path308within network204. In this example, source computing device302may include and/or represent apparatus100. In addition, path308may include and/or represent hops304(1),304(2), and304(3). AlthoughFIG. 3illustrates only hops304(1)-(3) for purposes of simplicity and readability, alternative embodiments may involve paths that include any number of hops (whether more or less).

In some examples, processing unit106may, as part of source computing device302, monitor network204for any changes to path308that potentially affect the maximum transmission unit of path308. In one example, processing unit106may create and/or maintain a record that identifies each hop included in path308to use as a reference. For example, processing unit106may transmit a packet that makes a round trip from source computing device302to destination computing device306and then back to source computing device302via path308. In this example, processing unit106may initiate transmission of this packet at a specific point in time. As the packet returns to source computing device302, processing unit106may identify hops304(1)-(3) as the traversed path based at least in part on the returning packet (e.g., the packet's header information). Processing unit106may then create a record500inFIG. 5that identifies hops304(1)-(3) as the path traversed by the packet.

In one example, processing unit106may perform this kind of monitoring by using a traceroute tool. For example, processing unit106may engage a traceroute tool by issuing a “traceroute” command to an operating system of source computing device302. In response to this command, the traceroute tool may initiate transmission of the packet that traverses path308and returns information that identifies hops304(1)-(3) as the traversed path. Processing unit106may then determine which hops were traversed by the packet based at least in part on the information obtained from the traceroute tool. Examples of this traceroute tool include, without limitation, TRACEROUTE, TRACEROUTE(8), TRACERT, PATHPING, TRACEROUTE6, TRACERT6, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable traceroute tool.

In one example, processing unit106may detect a change to path308by transmitting another packet that makes a round trip from source computing device302to destination computing device306and then back to source computing device302. In this example, processing unit106may initiate transmission of this other packet at a subsequent point in time by engaging the traceroute tool. As the other packet returns to source computing device302, processing unit106may determine that path308has changed in one way or another since the specific point in time by comparing the hops traversed by the other packet with record500.

As a specific example, processing unit106may determine that another hop (not necessarily illustrated inFIG. 3) was added to path308after the specific point in time. In another example, processing unit106may determine that one of hops304(1)-(3) was removed from path308after the specific point in time. In a further example, processing unit106may determine that one of hops304(1)-(3) was replaced by another hop (not necessarily illustrated inFIG. 3) after the specific point in time. In an additional example, processing unit106may determine that one of hops304(1)-(3) was reconfigured, modified, and/or shut down after the specific point in time.

In response to detecting the change to one of hops304(1)-(3), processing unit106may test path308for any increase in the maximum transmission unit. For example, processing unit106may identify a packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit. As a specific example, the maximum transmission unit of path308may be represented as a packet size of 1400 bytes.

Upon identifying this packet size, processing unit106may transmit a packet whose size is larger than the packet size corresponding to the maximum transmission unit over path308. For example, in the event that the maximum transmission unit of path308has been identified as 1400 bytes, processing unit106may transmit a packet of 1500 bytes over path308. By transmitting this larger packet in response to detecting the change to one of hops304(1)-(3), processing unit106may determine whether the detected change caused an increase of 100 or more bytes in the maximum transmission unit of the path.

In one example, processing unit106may determine that the maximum transmission unit of the path has increased based at least in part on the test. For example, processing unit106may wait a certain amount of time after having transmitted the packet for a message indicating that the size of the packet is excessively large (e.g., a “Packet Too Big” message) or a message indicating that the packet was fragmented while traversing the path. In the event that no such message is delivered by any of hops304(1)-(3) to source computing device302within that amount of time, processing unit106may determine that the maximum transmission unit of path308has increased as a result of the detected change.

In response to the increase in the maximum transmission unit of path308, processing unit106may transmit network traffic from source computing device302to destination computing device306via the path using packets whose size is consistent with the increased maximum transmission unit. For example, in the event that the maximum transmission unit has increased to 1500 bytes, processing unit106may transmit network traffic to destination computing device306using packets that each include 1500 bytes.

In one example, processing unit106may determine that the maximum transmission unit of the path has not increased based at least in part on the test. For example, processing unit106may detect a message (e.g., a “Packet Too Big” message) issued by one of hops304(1)-(3) in response to receiving the larger packet. This message may indicate that the size of the packet is excessively large and/or indicate that the hop fragmented the packet on its way to the destination.

As a result of no increase in the maximum transmission unit of path308, processing unit106may continue transmitting network traffic from source computing device302to destination computing device306via the path using packets whose size is consistent with the last-determined maximum transmission unit. For example, in the event that the maximum transmission unit remained at 1400 bytes despite the detected change to the path, processing unit106may continue transmitting network traffic to destination computing device306using packets that each include 1400 bytes.

FIG. 4shows an additional exemplary implementation400for timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within networks. As illustrated inFIG. 4, implementation400may include source computing device302in communication with destination computing device306via path308and a path408within network204. In this example, source computing device302may include and/or represent apparatus100. In this example, path408may include and/or represent hops304(1),304(4), and304(5). Paths308and408may collectively perform load-balancing on network traffic transmitted from source computing302to destination computing device306. The term “load-balancing,” as used herein, generally refers to any type or form of process, procedure, and/or operation that distributes and/or allocates network traffic destined for the same intermediate target and/or final destination across paths that include different network devices.

In one example, processing unit106may enable hops304(1)-(5) to collectively perform load-balancing on network traffic transmitted from source computing device302to destination computing device306. For example, processing unit106may direct certain packets along path308and other packets along path408as they leave source computing device302. In this example, the packets may include headers that identify their respective paths.

In some examples, processing unit106may monitor network204for any changes that potentially affect the maximum transmission unit of path308and/or path408. While monitoring network204in this way, processing unit106may detect one or more of hops304(1)-(5). As a result, processing unit106may identify a packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit of the path that experienced the change. Processing unit106may then test that path for an increase in its maximum transmission unit by transmitting a packet whose size is larger than the packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit of the path.

As a specific example, processing unit106may detect a change in topology along path408within network204. In response to detecting this change, processing unit106may identify 1600 bytes as the maximum transmission unit of path408. Processing unit106may then test path408for an increase in its maximum transmission unit by transmitting a packet of 1630 bytes to destination computing device306along path408.

As explained above in connection withFIGS. 1-5, a source device may perform PMTU discovery only when triggered by a change to the topology of a network, as opposed to performing such discovery on a periodic basis. For example, the source device may monitor route changes using traceroute messages. While monitoring route changes in this way, the source device may detect a route change that triggers a calculation of the PMTU. In other words, the source device may initiate a recalculation of the PMTU in response to detecting a route change via traceroute messages.

The PMTU calculation may take into account any load-balancing performed along the path to a destination device. For example, the source device may adjust the calculation of the PMTU to account for multiple paths traversed by network traffic originating from the source device and arriving at the destination device. The source device may adjust the calculation of the PMTU by identifying any differences in the set of hops included in the multiple paths from before and after the detected route change.

Continuing with this example, since a change in the topology may result in increased PMTU, decreased PMTU, and/or the same PMTU, the source device may need to test whether or not the PMTU actually increased as a result of the change. For example, the source device may identify the last-determined PMTU for the path that experienced the detected change. The source device may then transmit a packet whose size is larger than the last-determined PMTU over that path to determine whether its PMTU increased as a result of the detected change to the topology.

If any of the hops along the path generate a “Packet Too Big” message in response to the larger packet, the source device may determine that the PMTU did not increase as a result of the detected change to the topology. Moreover, if any of the hops along the path generate a “Packet Too Big” message in response to a packet of the same size as the last-determined PMTU, the source device may determine that the PMTU actually decreased as a result of the detected change to the topology. Additionally or alternatively, the source device may use a delta soak time to help distinguish between an increase and a decrease in the PMTU. If one of the hops along the path generates a “Packet Too Big” message in response to a larger packet but not in response to a packet of the same size as the last-determined PMTU, the source device may determine that the PMTU remained the same despite the detected change to the topology.

FIG. 6is a flow diagram of an exemplary method600for timely detection of increases in the maximum transmission unit of paths within networks. Method600may include the step of monitoring a network for any changes that potentially affect the maximum transmission unit of the path by transmitting a packet whose size is larger than the packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit of the path (610). This monitoring step may be performed in a variety of ways. For example, processing unit106may, as part of a network device, create a record that identifies each hop included in the path by checking one or more traceroute messages. Additionally or alternatively, processing unit106may compare subsequent traceroute messages with the record to determine whether the path has experienced any changes to its topology.

Returning toFIG. 6, method600may also include the step of detecting, while monitoring the network, a change to at least one hop included in the path (620). This detecting step may be performed in a variety of ways. For example, processing unit106may, as part of the network device, detect a change to a hop included in the path while monitoring the network based at least in part on the traceroute messages. In one example, processing unit106may detect this change by determining that a hop has been added to the path, removed from the path, replaced within the path, and/or reconfigured within the path.

Returning toFIG. 6, method600may additionally include the step of identifying a packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit of the path (630). This identifying step may be performed in a variety of ways. For example, processing unit106may, as part of the network device, identify the packet size based at least in part on the number of bytes expressed as the maximum transmission unit of the path. In one example, processing unit106may initiate this identification in response to and/or as a result of detecting the change to the hop.

Returning toFIG. 6, method600may further include the step of testing the path for an increase in the maximum transmission unit of the path by transmitting a packet whose size is larger than the packet size that corresponds to the maximum transmission unit of the path (640). This testing step may be performed in a variety of ways. For example, processing unit106may, as part of the network device, transmit a packet whose size is larger than the path's maximum transmission unit over the path. In one example, processing unit106may initiate this testing in response to and/or as a result of detecting the change to the hop.

Processing unit106may wait a certain amount of time after having transmitted the packet for a message indicating that the size of the packet is excessively large (e.g., a “Packet Too Big” message) or a message indicating that the packet was fragmented while traversing the path. In the event that no such message is delivered by any of the hops within that amount of time, processing unit106may determine that the maximum transmission unit of the path has increased as a result of the detected change to the hop. However, in the event that such a message is delivered by one of the hops within that amount of time, processing unit106may determine that the maximum transmission unit of the path has not increased as a result of the detected change to the hop.

FIG. 7is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system700capable of implementing and/or being used in connection with one or more of the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein. In some embodiments, all or a portion of computing system700may perform and/or be a means for performing, either alone or in combination with other elements, one or more of the steps described in connection withFIG. 6. All or a portion of computing system700may also perform and/or be a means for performing and/or implementing any other steps, methods, or processes described and/or illustrated herein. In one example, computing system700may include apparatus100fromFIG. 1.

Computing system700broadly represents any type or form of electrical load, including a single or multi-processor computing device or system capable of executing computer-readable instructions. Examples of computing system700include, without limitation, workstations, laptops, client-side terminals, servers, distributed computing systems, mobile devices, network switches, network routers (e.g., backbone routers, edge routers, core routers, mobile service routers, broadband routers, etc.), network appliances (e.g., network security appliances, network control appliances, network timing appliances, SSL VPN (Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network) appliances, etc.), network controllers, gateways (e.g., service gateways, mobile packet gateways, multi-access gateways, security gateways, etc.), and/or any other type or form of computing system or device.

Computing system700may be programmed, configured, and/or otherwise designed to comply with one or more networking protocols. According to certain embodiments, computing system700may be designed to work with protocols of one or more layers of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model, such as a physical layer protocol, a link layer protocol, a network layer protocol, a transport layer protocol, a session layer protocol, a presentation layer protocol, and/or an application layer protocol. For example, computing system700may include a network device configured according to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol, an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 protocol, an Ethernet protocol, a T1 protocol, a Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET) protocol, a Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) protocol, an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) protocol, an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocol, a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), a Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE), a Point-to-Point Protocol over ATM (PPPoA), a Bluetooth protocol, an IEEE 802.XX protocol, a frame relay protocol, a token ring protocol, a spanning tree protocol, and/or any other suitable protocol.

Computing system700may include various network and/or computing components. For example, computing system700may include at least one processor714and a system memory716. Processor714generally represents any type or form of processing unit capable of processing data or interpreting and executing instructions. For example, processor714may represent an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on a chip (e.g., a network processor), a hardware accelerator, a general purpose processor, and/or any other suitable processing element.

Processor714may process data according to one or more of the networking protocols discussed above. For example, processor714may execute or implement a portion of a protocol stack, may process packets, may perform memory operations (e.g., queuing packets for later processing), may execute end-user applications, and/or may perform any other processing tasks.

System memory716generally represents any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. Examples of system memory716include, without limitation, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, or any other suitable memory device. Although not required, in certain embodiments computing system700may include both a volatile memory unit (such as, for example, system memory716) and a non-volatile storage device (such as, for example, primary storage device732, as described in detail below). System memory716may be implemented as shared memory and/or distributed memory in a network device. Furthermore, system memory716may store packets and/or other information used in networking operations.

In certain embodiments, exemplary computing system700may also include one or more components or elements in addition to processor714and system memory716. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7, computing system700may include a memory controller718, an Input/Output (I/O) controller720, and a communication interface722, each of which may be interconnected via communication infrastructure712. Communication infrastructure712generally represents any type or form of infrastructure capable of facilitating communication between one or more components of a computing device. Examples of communication infrastructure712include, without limitation, a communication bus (such as a Serial ATA (SATA), an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), a PCI Express (PCIe), and/or any other suitable bus), and a network.

Memory controller718generally represents any type or form of device capable of handling memory or data or controlling communication between one or more components of computing system700. For example, in certain embodiments memory controller718may control communication between processor714, system memory716, and I/O controller720via communication infrastructure712. In some embodiments, memory controller718may include a Direct Memory Access (DMA) unit that may transfer data (e.g., packets) to or from a link adapter.

I/O controller720generally represents any type or form of device or module capable of coordinating and/or controlling the input and output functions of a computing device. For example, in certain embodiments I/O controller720may control or facilitate transfer of data between one or more elements of computing system700, such as processor714, system memory716, communication interface722, and storage interface730.

Communication interface722broadly represents any type or form of communication device or adapter capable of facilitating communication between exemplary computing system700and one or more additional devices. For example, in certain embodiments communication interface722may facilitate communication between computing system700and a private or public network including additional computing systems. Examples of communication interface722include, without limitation, a link adapter, a wired network interface (such as a network interface card), a wireless network interface (such as a wireless network interface card), and any other suitable interface. In at least one embodiment, communication interface722may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a direct link to a network, such as the Internet. Communication interface722may also indirectly provide such a connection through, for example, a local area network (such as an Ethernet network), a personal area network, a wide area network, a private network (e.g., a virtual private network), a telephone or cable network, a cellular telephone connection, a satellite data connection, or any other suitable connection.

In certain embodiments, communication interface722may also represent a host adapter configured to facilitate communication between computing system700and one or more additional network or storage devices via an external bus or communications channel. Examples of host adapters include, without limitation, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) host adapters, Universal Serial Bus (USB) host adapters, IEEE 1394 host adapters, Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA), Parallel ATA (PATA), Serial ATA (SATA), and External SATA (eSATA) host adapters, Fibre Channel interface adapters, Ethernet adapters, or the like. Communication interface722may also enable computing system700to engage in distributed or remote computing. For example, communication interface722may receive instructions from a remote device or send instructions to a remote device for execution.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, exemplary computing system700may also include a primary storage device732and/or a backup storage device734coupled to communication infrastructure712via a storage interface730. Storage devices732and734generally represent any type or form of storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. For example, storage devices732and734may represent a magnetic disk drive (e.g., a so-called hard drive), a solid state drive, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash drive, or the like. Storage interface730generally represents any type or form of interface or device for transferring data between storage devices732and734and other components of computing system700.

In certain embodiments, storage devices732and734may be configured to read from and/or write to a removable storage unit configured to store computer software, data, or other computer-readable information. Examples of suitable removable storage units include, without limitation, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, a flash memory device, or the like. Storage devices732and734may also include other similar structures or devices for allowing computer software, data, or other computer-readable instructions to be loaded into computing system700. For example, storage devices732and734may be configured to read and write software, data, or other computer-readable information. Storage devices732and734may be a part of computing system700or may be separate devices accessed through other interface systems.

In some examples, all or a portion of apparatus100inFIG. 1may represent portions of a cloud-computing or network-based environment. Cloud-computing and network-based environments may provide various services and applications via the Internet. These cloud-computing and network-based services (e.g., software as a service, platform as a service, infrastructure as a service, etc.) may be accessible through a web browser or other remote interface. Various functions described herein may also provide network switching capabilities, gateway access capabilities, network security functions, content caching and delivery services for a network, network control services, and/or and other networking functionality.