Equinix. has filed a patent for network slicing with programmable data-plane pipelines. The system involves creating slice contexts, mapping resources, instantiating network slices, receiving frames, identifying network slices for each frame, and enriching frame headers to direct them to data-plane pipelines. GlobalData’s report on Equinix gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Equinix, VPN tunneling was a key innovation area identified from patents. Equinix's grant share as of January 2024 was 55%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Network slicing with programmable data-plane pipelines
A patent application (Publication Number: US20240039792A1) describes a method for network slicing with programmable data-plane pipelines. The method involves creating slice contexts by generating control-plane data and data-plane data for multiple network slices, mapping resources of network switch hardware to these contexts, and instantiating the network slices on the hardware. Frames from external sources are received, and based on the identified network slice for each frame, the header of the frames is enriched to direct them to a data-plane pipeline. The method allows for tailoring the resource mapping to specific network switch hardware and triggering packet processing actions based on slice types.
Furthermore, the patent application details a system and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured for network slicing with programmable data-plane pipelines. The system includes network switch hardware and hardware processors that create slice contexts, map resources, instantiate network slices, and enrich frame headers. The processors are also capable of receiving network slice requirements from a 5G control plane and programming the network switch hardware accordingly. The storage medium contains instructions for performing the method, including associating each slice context with a data plane program based on network slice requirements such as security, 5G traffic processing, capability, proximity to access networks, and storage. Overall, the patent application outlines a comprehensive approach to network slicing that enables efficient data-plane processing tailored to specific network requirements.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
