Using a DFA unit for classification list processing

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:

generating a header state diagram from a classification list;

storing the header state diagram in one or more data stores;

receiving header data at a deterministic finite automata module;

enforcing the classification list at the deterministic finite automata module using the header state diagram stored in the one or more data stores to process the header data;

determining whether a byte associated with an incoming data stream is part of a payload or a header; and

analyzing the byte based upon whether the byte is part of the payload or the header.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising:

receiving the incoming data stream;

examining data included in the incoming data stream; and

determining whether the byte is part of the header.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 , further comprising:

determining whether the byte is part of a payload; and

using a payload state diagram stored in the one or more data stores to process the byte using the deterministic finite automata module based upon determining the byte is part of the payload.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , further comprising if the byte is not part of the payload identifying a next byte of data included in the incoming data stream.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising continuing to perform the method until the incoming data stream is terminated.

6. One or more non-transitory computer readable media operable to store computer readable instructions, the computer readable instructions being operable to cause a processor perform a series of steps, comprising:

generating a header state diagram from a classification list;

storing the header state diagram in one or more data stores;

receiving header data at a deterministic finite automata module;

enforcing the classification list at the deterministic finite automata module using the header state diagram stored in the one or more data stores to process the header data;

determining whether a byte associated with an incoming data stream is part of a payload or a header; and

analyzing the byte based upon whether the byte is part of the payload or the header.

7. The one or more non-transitory computer readable media of claim 6 , the steps further comprising:

receiving the incoming data stream;

examining data included in the incoming data stream; and

determining whether the byte is part of the header.

8. The one or more non-transitory computer readable media of claim 7 , the steps further comprising:

determining whether the byte is part of a payload; and

using a payload state diagram stored in the one or more data stores to process the byte using the deterministic finite automata module based upon determining the byte is part of the payload.

9. The one or more non-transitory computer readable media of claim 8 , the steps further comprising if the byte is not part of the payload identifying a next byte of data included in the incoming data stream.

10. The one or more non-transitory computer readable media of claim 9 , the steps further comprising continuing to perform the method until the incoming data stream is terminated.

11. A system comprising:

an interface operable to receive a classification list;

a converter operable to define classification list as a classification list state machine operable to be implemented by a deterministic finite automata module;

one or more data stores operable to store the state machine defining the classification list;

the deterministic finite automata module being operable to receive a data stream and process the data stream based upon the classification list state machine;

wherein the converter is operable to receive a header data template and to convert the header data template into a header state machine operable to be implemented by the deterministic finite automata module and the deterministic finite automata being further operable to identify header data based upon a header state machine and process the header data based upon the identification using the classification list state machine.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the converter is operable to receive a payload data template and to convert the payload data template into a payload state machine operable to be implemented by the deterministic finite automata module.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the deterministic finite automata is further operable to identify payload data based upon the payload state machine and process the payload data based upon the identification.