Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for parallel match processing of network packets to identify data for masking or other actions. In part, the disclosed embodiments receive packets and identify packet data, such as sensitive data, by rapid parallel matching of packet data being communicated in multi-byte wide data paths to match parameters in order to generate match vectors. The match vectors are then used to generate control vectors that are subsequently used by packet processing circuitry to perform desired actions for this packet data (e.g., mask data) and/or for related packets (e.g., drop packets). For example, data identified through the match processing can be masked, and control vectors can be mask control vectors applied to parallel multiplexers. In certain embodiments, the parallel data multiplexers are controlled by the mask control vectors to selectively output either original packet data or mask data that obscures original packet data.

Abstract: Power entry and distribution for network communication systems are disclosed. For certain embodiments depicted, a power distribution board with an open-grid configuration receives power feed/return lines from a power entry connector and distributes the power feed/return lines for a network processing system. The open-grid configuration facilitates airflow through a chassis and thereby provides improved cooling. Further, a modular power entry connector can be used to facilitate connection of power feed/return cables to the chassis for the network processing systems while improving safety for high power implementations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for parallel match processing of network packets to identify data for masking or other actions. In part, the disclosed embodiments receive packets and identify packet data, such as sensitive data, by rapid parallel matching of packet data being communicated in multi-byte wide data paths to match parameters in order to generate match vectors. The match vectors are then used to generate control vectors that are subsequently used by packet processing circuitry to perform desired actions for this packet data (e.g., mask data) and/or for related packets (e.g., drop packets). For example, data identified through the match processing can be masked, and control vectors can be mask control vectors applied to parallel multiplexers. In certain embodiments, the parallel data multiplexers are controlled by the mask control vectors to selectively output either original packet data or mask data that obscures original packet data.

Abstract: Traffic differentiator systems for network devices and related methods are disclosed that determine difference packets from multiple packet streams. Some embodiments are configured to receive two streams of packets with one stream being a processed version of another stream and then to determine difference packets within a lookup time window that is, for example, associated with a processing time for the second stream to be a processed version of the first stream. Difference packets within a lookup time window can also be determined for packets received within a single combined stream of packets. Difference packets and/or related statistical information is then output for additional processing, as desired. The streams of packets can be associated with ingress and egress packets for a network device, and the difference packets and related statistical information can be used to determine packets that are removed, added, and/or modified by the network device.

Abstract: Traffic differentiator systems for network devices and related methods are disclosed that determine difference packets from multiple packet streams. Some embodiments are configured to receive two streams of packets with one stream being a processed version of another stream and then to determine difference packets within a lookup time window that is, for example, associated with a processing time for the second stream to be a processed version of the first stream. Difference packets within a lookup time window can also be determined for packets received within a single combined stream of packets. Difference packets and/or related statistical information is then output for additional processing, as desired. The streams of packets can be associated with ingress and egress packets for a network device, and the difference packets and related statistical information can be used to determine packets that are removed, added, and/or modified by the network device.

Abstract: Power entry and distribution for network communication systems are disclosed. For certain embodiments depicted, a power distribution board with an open-grid configuration receives power feed/return lines from a power entry connector and distributes the power feed/return lines for a network processing system. The open-grid configuration facilitates airflow through a chassis and thereby provides improved cooling. Further, a modular power entry connector can be used to facilitate connection of power feed/return cables to the chassis for the network processing systems while improving safety for high power implementations.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for tap modules having integrated splitters and aggregated multi-fiber tap output connectors. Tap modules are configured to receive optical input/output signals from optical input/output fibers connected to multiple network devices within a network communication system. The tap modules include splitters that are configured to generate multiple tap output signals that are proportional, lower-energy copies of optical signals being communicated between the network devices. These tap output signals are then provided to aggregated multi-fiber tap output connectors for the tap modules. These multi-fiber tap output connectors can then be utilized to connect to other network monitoring devices, such as network monitoring tool systems and/or network tool optimizing systems. The aggregated multi-fiber tap output connectors are configured to operate at a higher aggregated rate as compared to the optical input/output signals.

Abstract: Air filter and cable management assemblies for network communication systems are disclosed. The assemblies include filters that cover one or more communication line cards and their associated connection panels. The assemblies also include cable support structures with cable support brackets that support connected cables while restricting airflow so that airflow is forced through the filter towards the connection panels. This airflow can then pass into housings for the line cards and other circuitry, such as fabric cards, to provide desired cooling. Fan subsystems can also be provided to facilitate airflow. Advantageously, the disclosed air filter and cable management assemblies allow for filtered cooling of stacked network communication systems while greatly simplifying the complexity of the filter and cable installation and maintenance.