Abstract: A method is implemented by a network device to dynamically optimize lookup speed in a packet processing table maintained at the network device while the network device is in operation. The method includes determining one or more runtime metrics of the packet processing table, selecting a lookup algorithm for the packet processing table from a set of lookup algorithms supported by the network device based on the one or more runtime metrics of the packet processing table, and configuring the network device to match incoming packets against rules in the packet processing table using the selected lookup algorithm for the packet processing table.

Abstract: A method is implemented by a network device to dynamically optimize lookup speed in a packet processing table maintained at the network device while the network device is in operation. The method includes determining one or more runtime metrics of the packet processing table, selecting a lookup algorithm for the packet processing table from a set of lookup algorithms supported by the network device based on the one or more runtime metrics of the packet processing table, and configuring the network device to match incoming packets against rules in the packet processing table using the selected lookup algorithm for the packet processing table.

Abstract: A method is implemented by a network device to dynamically optimize lookup speed in a packet processing table maintained at the network device while the network device is in operation. The method includes determining one or more runtime metrics of the packet processing table, selecting a lookup algorithm for the packet processing table from a set of lookup algorithms supported by the network device based on the one or more runtime metrics of the packet processing table, and configuring the network device to match incoming packets against rules in the packet processing table using the selected lookup algorithm for the packet processing table.

Abstract: A method is implemented by a network device to dynamically optimize lookup speed in a packet processing table maintained at the network device while the network device is in operation. The method includes determining one or more runtime metrics of the packet processing table, selecting a lookup algorithm for the packet processing table from a set of lookup algorithms supported by the network device based on the one or more runtime metrics of the packet processing table, and configuring the network device to match incoming packets against rules in the packet processing table using the selected lookup algorithm for the packet processing table.

Abstract: A technique for configuring a Software-Defined Network (SDN) is provided. A first control message is issued by a Software-Defined Network controller. The first control message is received at a first network device of the SDN. The first control message includes a SDN configuration command. Two or more second network devices of the SDN are determined as recipients of the SDN configuration command or as intermediate nodes towards recipients of the SDN configuration command. The first network device sends second control messages to the determined two or more second network devices.

Abstract: A packet switching device can process packets by linking pre-compiled code fragments corresponding to actions to be performed for a packet flow, in order to generate a flow function. Once generated, the packet switching device can invoke this flow function for one or more packets in the packet flow. For example, a linker could use a flow table to determine the actions to be performed for a packet flow. Those actions may correspond to code fragments which have already been compiled and make use of symbols as placeholders for parameters yet to be defined. To generate a flow function, the pre-compiled code fragments corresponding to the actions of a flow can be sequenced and linked together. The parameter values of the actions can then replace the placeholder symbols. Once fully assembled, the flow function can be written to memory and executed any time a packet for the corresponding flow needs to be routed.

Abstract: A packet switching device can process packets by linking pre-compiled code fragments corresponding to actions to be performed for a packet flow, in order to generate a flow function. Once generated, the packet switching device can invoke this flow function for one or more packets in the packet flow. For example, a linker could use a flow table to determine the actions to be performed for a packet flow. Those actions may correspond to code fragments which have already been compiled and make use of symbols as placeholders for parameters yet to be defined. To generate a flow function, the pre-compiled code fragments corresponding to the actions of a flow can be sequenced and linked together. The parameter values of the actions can then replace the placeholder symbols. Once fully assembled, the flow function can be written to memory and executed any time a packet for the corresponding flow needs to be routed.

Abstract: A technique for programming or querying a network device in a Software Defined Network (SDN) via a communications protocol is provided. A method realization of that technique implemented by a controller of the SDN comprises the step of creating at least one template for a type message defined by the communications protocol. The template predefines at least one value for at least one parameter conveyed by that type of message. The at least one template is sent to the network device for installation by that network device. The communications protocol may be one of the OpenFlow protocol and the ForCES Forwarding Element Model protocol as defined in RFC 5812.

Abstract: A technique for configuring a Software-Defined Network (SDN) is provided. A first control message is issued by a Software-Defined Network controller. The first control message is received at a first network device of the SDN. The first control message includes a SDN configuration command. Two or more second network devices of the SDN are determined as recipients of the SDN configuration command or as intermediate nodes towards recipients of the SDN configuration command. The first network device sends second control messages to the determined two or more second network devices.

Abstract: A method is provided of reducing traffic in or relating to a service provider network. The service provider network comprises a core packet network, a plurality of first access points (6) off the core network to an external packet network (7), and a plurality of second access points (4) off the core network to local subscribers. A cache (T1, T2) is provided at each of the access points (6, 4) for caching content passing through. In response to a request received from the external network (7) at any of the first access points (6) for content from a local subscriber, it is attempted to serve the request from content previously cached at that first access point (6) or another of the first access points (6). If unable to serve the request from any of the first access point caches (T1), it is attempted to serve the request from content previously cached at the second access point (4) serving the local subscriber.

Abstract: A method is provided of reducing traffic in or relating to a service provider network. The service provider network comprises a core packet network, a plurality of first access points (6) off the core network to an external packet network (7), and a plurality of second access points (4) off the core network to local subscribers. A cache (T1, T2) is provided at each of the access points (6, 4) for caching content passing through. In response to a request received from the external network (7) at any of the first access points (6) for content from a local subscriber, it is attempted to serve the request from content previously cached at that first access point (6) or another of the first access points (6). If unable to serve the request from any of the first access point caches (T1), it is attempted to serve the request from content previously cached at the second access point (4) serving the local subscriber.

Abstract: A method and system for merging together two overlay networks in a distributed data structure, each overlay network comprises, spaced around a ring, a multiplicity of nodes each of which has a unique identifier and a leaf set identifying its neighbouring nodes are provided. Subsequently an initiator node makes a data request to a destination node and data is transferred from the destination node to the initiator node in response thereto, and a token is passed from the initiator node to the destination node that includes the identifier and leaf set of the initiator node. These steps are then repeated for the remaining nodes until all the nodes have been merged together and the merge process is stopped by receipt of a token by the initiator node.