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:
- Multi-Port Data Merge: Data that is received on several ports can be merged into a single data stream on the adapter.
- Frame Buffering: Onboard network adapter memory buffer allow frames to be buffered during micro-burst or PCI Express bus congestion situation.
- Frame Classification: The network adapter frame decoder ensures protocol recognition of all mayor layer 2 to 4 protocols.
- Frame and Protocol Information: For each Ethernet frame received, frame and protocol information is made available to the host application.
- Fixed, Dynamic and Conditional 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.