Patent ID: 7032031

Claim:
A method of processing a first data packet, transmitted over a network from a source to a first recipient, said first data packet comprising a header layer and an application data layer, and a second data packet transmitted over said network from the first recipient to the source, said method comprising: (a) capturing said first data packet from said network prior to its reception by said first recipient; (b) analyzing said header layer of said first data packet according to a first rule; (c) examining, selectively, a dynamically specified portion of said application data layer of said first data packet according to a second rule; (d) determining a first action to be taken on said first data packet according to a third rule; and (e) performing said first action on said first data packet, wherein said first action comprises at least storing information related to said first data packet; (f) capturing said second data packet from said network prior to its reception by said source; (g) analyzing a header layer of said second data packet according to a fourth rule; (h) examining, selectively, a dynamically specified portion of said application data layer of said second data packet according to a fifth rule; (i) determining a second action to be taken on said second data packet according to a sixth rule; and (j) performing said second action on said second data packet; and wherein at least one of said fourth rule, said fifth rule, said sixth rule or combinations thereof, is based on said stored information.