Abstract: A network device includes at least one port, a memory, data-path circuitry, and a processor. The at least one port is to exchange packets with a network. The data-path circuitry is to process the packets. The memory is to store signatures of traffic patterns according to a locality-sensitive signature function., and corresponding parameter settings for the data-path circuitry. The processor is to assess a current traffic pattern of the packets, to calculate a current signature over the current traffic pattern using the locality-sensitive signature function, to query the memory using the current signature, to configure the data-path circuitry, in response to finding a stored signature that is within a specified distance from the current signature, with a parameter setting that corresponds to the found signature, and take an alternative action in response to finding that no stored signature is within the specified distance from the current signature.

Abstract: A method including altering the configuration of a system including a processor, firmware storage and a scratchpad from a first configuration in which a first version of firmware enabling a first plurality of system operations is run by the processor, into a second configuration in which a second version of firmware enabling a second plurality of system operations is run by the processor, the altering including: A) re-configuring the system from the first configuration into an intermediate configuration in which the processor continues to run the first version of the firmware, B) while the system is in the intermediate configuration, disallowing at least one of the first plurality of operations, C) re-configuring the system from the intermediate configuration to the second configuration, and D) while the system is in the second configuration, allowing the second plurality of operations. Related apparatus and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method for packet generation includes designating a group of one or more ports, from among multiple ports of one or more network elements, to perform the packet generation. A circular packet path, which traverses one or more buffers of the ports in the group, is configured. A burst of one or more packets is provided to the group, so as to cause the burst of packets to repeatedly traverse the circular packet path. A packet stream, including the repeated burst of packets, is transmitted from one of the ports.

Abstract: A method including altering the configuration of a system including a processor, firmware storage and a scratchpad from a first configuration in which a first version of firmware enabling a first plurality of system operations is run by the processor, into a second configuration in which a second version of firmware enabling a second plurality of system operations is run by the processor, the altering including: A) re-configuring the system from the first configuration into an intermediate configuration in which the processor continues to run the first version of the firmware, B) while the system is in the intermediate configuration, disallowing at least one of the first plurality of operations, C) re-configuring the system from the intermediate configuration to the second configuration, and D) while the system is in the second configuration, allowing the second plurality of operations. Related apparatus and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method for packet generation includes designating a group of one or more ports, from among multiple ports of one or more network elements, to perform the packet generation. A circular packet path, which traverses one or more buffers of the ports in the group, is configured. A burst of one or more packets is provided to the group, so as to cause the burst of packets to repeatedly traverse the circular packet path. A packet stream, including the repeated burst of packets, is transmitted from one of the ports.