New packet fields for content aware classification

This paper presents a solution for a new multidimensional packet classifier of an edge router, based on content — related new fields embedded in the data packets. The technique is applicable to content aware networks. The classification algorithm is using three new packet fields named Virtual Content Aware Network (VCAN), Service Type (STYPE) and U (unicast/multicast) which are part of the Content Awareness Transport Information (CATI) header. A CATI header is inserted into the transmitted data packets at the Service/Content Provider server side, in accordance with the media service definition, and enables the content awareness features at a new overlay Content Aware Network layer. The functionality of the CATI header within the classification process is then analyzed. Two possibilities are considered: the adaptation of the Lucent Bit vector algorithm and, respectively, of the tuple space search, in order to respond to the suggested multi-fields classifier. The results are very promising and can be very useful in the content-aware packet classification.