Abstract: Programmable network devices configured to perform various packet processing functions are further configured to use IPsec to secure control and data packets associated with data sessions traversing the UPF. Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and/or graphics processing units (GPUs) coupled with network interfaces are configured to perform user plane functions and secure data packet within a compact and modular hardware unit to minimize excessive communication while maintaining control and user plane separation (CUPS).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for duplicate message detection and removal. A method includes receiving a message tagged with a sequence number during one of a first timing window and a second timing window, wherein the first and second timing windows are consecutive recurring timing windows in a network. The method additionally includes sending a response to the message during one of the timing windows and marking the sequence number with the timing window of the response. The method further includes adding the marked sequence number to an exclusion list and after a next timing window expires, deleting the sequence number from the exclusion list.

Abstract: Integrated circuits that perform offset-based memory management using offset values for allocated, de-allocated, and free memory portions. An example method includes receiving a first request for allocating a first portion of a memory module coupled to an integrated circuit, and determining a first address space for allocating the first portion of the memory module based on one or more offset values.

Abstract: Integrated circuits that perform offset-based memory management using offset values for allocated, de-allocated, and free memory portions. An example method includes receiving a first request for allocating a first portion of a memory module coupled to an integrated circuit, and determining a first address space for allocating the first portion of the memory module based on one or more offset values.

Abstract: Programmable networking devices configured to perform various packet processing functions for packet filtration, control and user plane separation (CUPS), user plane function (UPF), pipeline processing, etc. IPsec is utilized to secure control and data packets traversing the programmable networking device. Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are configured with one or more host servers and software-based network interfaces (softMAC).

Abstract: Integrated circuits that perform offset-based memory management using offset values for allocated, de-allocated, and free memory portions. An example method includes receiving a first request for allocating a first portion of a memory module coupled to an integrated circuit, and determining a first address space for allocating the first portion of the memory module based on one or more offset values.

Abstract: Programmable networking devices configured to perform various packet processing functions for packet filtration, control and user plane separation (CUPS), user plane function (UPF), pipeline processing, etc. Upon arrival of a user plane packet, a UPF performs a rapid lookup or hash table of the provisioned PDRs associated with a given PFCP session, arrange PDRs in decreasing order of precedence, and process the packet more efficiently than evaluating all PDRs.

Abstract: A method for providing a translating virtual network function by a network element. The method comprises receiving by the network element a first Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) message of a plurality of PFCP messages at a first Internet Protocol (IP) address of a plurality of IP addresses of the network element, the first IP address corresponding to a first Session Management Function (SMF) of one or more SMFs, selecting by the network element a translation method based on the first IP address on which the first PFCP message was received, translating by the network element the first PFCP message using the selected translation method into a function-based model representation of the first PFCP message, and configuring by the network element a network interface controller to implement, based on the representation of the first PFCP message, a protocol data unit (PDU) session.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for duplicate message detection and removal. A method includes receiving a message tagged with a sequence number during one of a first timing window and a second timing window, wherein the first and second timing windows are consecutive recurring timing windows in a network. The method additionally includes sending a response to the message during one of the timing windows and marking the sequence number with the timing window of the response. The method further includes adding the marked sequence number to an exclusion list and after a next timing window expires, deleting the sequence number from the exclusion list.

Abstract: Programmable network switches configured to perform various functions including session management, data processing, routing, and pipeline processing functions. Exemplary programmable network switches include pipeline processing components to transport data packets to network nodes, and data processing components to perform management functions including instructing the pipeline processing component how to transport the data packets. Auxiliary processing components can also be included to perform pre and post processing. The pipeline processing and auxiliary processing components can include ASICs, FPGAs, and other processors in any combination within a single rack mountable unit.

Abstract: A method for providing a translating virtual network function by a network element. The method comprises receiving by the network element a first Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) message of a plurality of PFCP messages at a first Internet Protocol (IP) address of a plurality of IP addresses of the network element, the first IP address corresponding to a first Session Management Function (SMF) of one or more SMFs, selecting by the network element a translation method based on the first IP address on which the first PFCP message was received, translating by the network element the first PFCP message using the selected translation method into a function-based model representation of the first PFCP message, and configuring by the network element a network interface controller to implement, based on the representation of the first PFCP message, a protocol data unit (PDU) session.

Abstract: A method for providing a translating virtual network function by a network element. The method comprises receiving by the network element a first Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) message of a plurality of PFCP messages at a first Internet Protocol (IP) address of a plurality of IP addresses of the network element, the first IP address corresponding to a first Session Management Function (SMF) of one or more SMFs, selecting by the network element a translation method based on the first IP address on which the first PFCP message was received, translating by the network element the first PFCP message using the selected translation method into a function-based model representation of the first PFCP message, and configuring by the network element a network interface controller to implement, based on the representation of the first PFCP message, a protocol data unit (PDU) session.

Abstract: Programmable network devices configured to perform various UPF functions including QoS enforcement, session management, and timer synchronization. Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are configured to perform user plane functions on data streams within a compact and modular hardware unit to minimize excessive communication while maintaining control and user plane separation (CUPS). QoS enforcement can include guaranteed bit rate (GBR) and maximum bit rate (MBR) and token buckets associated therewith, pipeline processing, synchronizing transmission of data packets and control signals with timers at various operational levels, and so on.

Abstract: An assembly that includes a first device. The first device includes a main body and a ring disposed around the main body. The main body is provided with at least one protuberance and at least one recess, the at least one protuberance being complementary in number with the at least one recess. The first device is adapted to fit to an adjacent second device by virtue of engagement of the at least one protuberance or the at least one recess to the adjacent second device.

Abstract: A quick disconnect pump assembly is disclosed. The pump assembly includes a housing with inlet and outlet ports, an elongate slot, and a retainer channel. A sliding lock moves within the slot between a locked position and an unlocked position. The sliding lock includes inlet and outlet port openings and a sliding lock retainer opening. The inlet and outlet port openings each engage and retain a removable fitting when the sliding lock is in the locked position, but do not engage or retain the removable fitting when the sliding lock is in the unlocked position. The pump assembly also includes a sliding lock retainer which passes through the sliding lock retainer opening to prevent removal of the sliding lock from the elongate slot. A fluid pump and a beverage dispenser utilizing the pump assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A quick disconnect pump assembly is disclosed. The pump assembly includes a housing with inlet and outlet ports, an elongate slot, and a retainer channel. A sliding lock moves within the slot between a locked position and an unlocked position. The sliding lock includes inlet and outlet port openings and a sliding lock retainer opening. The inlet and outlet port openings each engage and retain a removable fitting when the sliding lock is in the locked position, but do not engage or retain the removable fitting when the sliding lock is in the unlocked position. The pump assembly also includes a sliding lock retainer which passes through the sliding lock retainer opening to prevent removal of the sliding lock from the elongate slot. A fluid pump and a beverage dispenser utilizing the pump assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating animal skins or hides (10) comprises stretching the hide to extend it and to open the structures and mounting the hide in a frame (15) by ties (12) extending between the hide edge attachments (11) and the frame. The hide (10) while in the frame. The hide (10) while in the frame passes through multiple process operations involving sequentially applying treatment fluids under pressure. A pressure differential maintained across the hide thickness enables the fluids to pass through the flesh surface (10a) and emerge from the grain surface (10b). The hide (10) can be supported on a porous backing membrane (45) during treatment. The treatment fluids are collected and processed for recycling, recovery of by-products and disposal.