Frame Processing

When processing high-bandwidth network traffic, the required CPU power for achieving real-time application performance is intensified. Fortunately, in many cases it is not necessary to process all frames in the stream, and/or the frames can be processed independently by a number of CPUs (see Multi-CPU Support).

Napatech's unique Frame Decoding technology is the foundation for a comprehensive and advanced set of features to "condition" the frame stream in a way that maximizes the performance of network applications and minimizes wasteful processing of unwanted frames. Such features are:

• Programmable Filters: Filters can be set up dynamically to capture frames of specific protocols, lengths and/or containing specific bit patterns.
• Fixed and Dynamic Slicing: Cut away and discard part of a frame, either by truncating it to a fixed length, or by slicing away frame contents from a specified offset point, dependent on protocols and encapsulations.
• Deduplication: Discards duplicated frames that are typically found in networks with mirrored MPLS links.