Abstract: A STREAMS-based protocol stack is adapted to encrypt and decrypt data flowing through the stack. In a first embodiment, a STREAMS-based module is added to a protocol stack to encrypt and decrypt data flowing through the stack. In a second embodiment, a STREAMS-based encryption multiplexor routes data to and from an encryptor. In a third embodiment, dynamic function registration is used to register cryptographic functions at a stream head. In a fourth embodiment, STREAM-based modules are modified, either by dynamic function replacement or conventional means known in the art, to redirect data flowing between protocol stack layers to an encryptor. Hardware-based and software-based encryptor configurations are disclosed for all embodiments, as well as various methods of identifying cryptographic characteristics, such as cryptographic algorithms, public and private encryption keys, bindings to applications and IP addresses, and the like.

Abstract: A distributed STREAMS process operates on a multicomputer system composed of a cluster of nodes of one or more processors running an operating system having a file system and a STREAMS message-passing mechanism implementing network protocols, client-server applications, and STREAMS-based pipes. A local node has a software application operative under the operating system. The distributed STREAMS process determines that it is operating within a cluster and transparently intercepts application open requests which are sent to a controlling thread (CT) created during node initialization. The CT determines whether the open is to occur on the local or a remote node and whether any cluster facility should be activated by examining major and minor numbers encoded within the file structure being opened. If the CT determines a local open is to occur, it performs a local open, as normal, and activates the indicated cluster facilities.

Abstract: An extension to the STREAMS framework, referred to as dynamic function replacement, uses data structures that contain function pointers which allow STREAMS to execute various module or driver functions without requiring framework modification, or understanding what these functions actually do beyond their rudimentary classifications. This provides a simple, yet elegant, mechanism for replacing these function definitions and, hence, changing the execution behavior of STREAMS modules and drivers without requiring the modules or drivers to be rewritten or modified.