Abstract: A packet transfer apparatus for a network system is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a packet receiver that accepts an input of packets from a first network segment, a packet classifier that classifies packets based on their respective process flows, a packet discarder to discard packets and a packet sender that sends packets to a second network segment. Another aspect of the invention is a network system comprising a plurality of terminal nodes, at least one packet transfer unit effectively connected between at least two of said terminal nodes, said at least one transfer unit further comprising a packet classifier that classifies packets into their respective process flows.

Abstract: A network interface that processes data packets transmitted on a network is provided. The network interface includes a first data path, a second data path, a header processor, a classifier unit, and a plurality of packet processors. The first data path unit inputs downstream data packets transmitted downstream on the network, and the second data path unit inputs upstream data packets transmitted upstream on the network. The header processor inputs data packet headers of the downstream and upstream data packets from the first and second data path units and classifies the downstream and upstream data packets by comparing the headers with predetermined rules. The classifier unit also inputs the data packet headers from the first and second data path units and evaluates the headers determine flows corresponding to the downstream and upstream data packets.