Traditional IP routers examine the IP header of every incoming packet, make routing decisions on a packet-by-packet basis, then send each packet to an output interface queue. Priority and available output bandwidth determine when the router forwards each packet. The router accepts incoming packets as long as the maximum input bandwidth does not exceed configured rate limiting or policing parameters.

 

As its queues become overloaded, traditional routers use Quality of Service (QoS) strategies to drop packets randomly to relieve the congestion. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) traffic transmission slows down to compensate for this. For User Datagram Protocol (UDP) traffic such as streaming video and VoIP applications, dropping packets can be disastrous. Dropped UDP packets result in fuzzy/pixelated or noisy video, choppy or dropped calls, and unsatisfied customers.

 

In contrast to traditional routing based on performing the same processor-intensive, in-depth examination of every individual packet header, the STM identifies unique streams of traffic called flows. Instead of treating each packet as a stand-alone entity, the STM processes packets in the context of their flows and flow characteristics using Intelligent Flow Delivery (IFD) and behavioral characteristics. The STM stores detailed information about every flow that passes through the system innovative technologies such as Intelligent Flow Delivery™

 

The attached document describe flows, STM components, and flow technology concepts: