Real-time packet classification and rate-limiting control packets in a network processor based data-plane

• Main Authors: NARAYANAN RAJESH, WILLIAMS AARON
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 27.01.2005
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE; ELECTRICITY; TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHICCOMMUNICATION

A method for managing packets in a network is presented comprising the steps of receiving a packet, assigning the packet to a selected one of a plurality of classes, checking a counter associated with the selected class, advancing the counter toward the target value and forwarding the packet if the counter is not equal to a target value, dropping the packet if the counter is equal to the target value, and from time to time, resetting the counter to a reset value not equal to the target value to allow more packets from the selected class to be forwarded. In one embodiment, the counter is scheduled to be repeatedly reset according to a period, which may be implemented by use of a timer. The period, the reset value, and/or the target value can be changed to effectuate a different rate of packet forwarding for the selected class.