US 9560177

Here is a concise summary of US patent 9560177:

• Title: Network system and network flow tracing method
• Assignee: Cloud Byte LLC
• Inventor: Masaharu Morimoto
• Filing Date: March 17, 2016
• Issue Date: January 31, 2017
• Abstract: The patent describes a switch apparatus that includes storage for rules and actions, and a controller with a memory and processor. This processor receives rules and actions from a control apparatus, identifies incoming packets based on these rules, and if a packet is targeted for encapsulation, it duplicates part of its header to create an additional header. The identified packet is then encapsulated with this additional header and processed according to the defined actions.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1 (Switch Apparatus): This claim describes a network switch that contains a storage for network rules and corresponding actions. It also has a controller with a processor that is programmed to receive these rules and actions from a central control unit. When the switch receives a packet, its processor identifies the packet using the rules. If the packet is meant to be encapsulated, the processor duplicates a portion of the packet's original header to create a new "additional header." The packet is then encapsulated using this additional header, and finally, the switch processes the packet according to the predetermined actions.

• Independent Claim 7 (Communication System): This claim outlines a communication system that includes a central control apparatus, which manages several switch apparatuses. Each of these switch apparatuses is configured similarly to the one in Claim 1. They each have storage for rules and actions, and a controller with a processor. This processor receives instructions from the central control, identifies incoming packets, creates a duplicate "additional header" for packets needing encapsulation, performs the encapsulation, and then processes the packet based on the actions.

• Independent Claim 13 (Communication Method): This claim describes a method for network communication. The steps involve receiving rules and actions from a network controller, then identifying a received packet based on these rules. If the packet is a target for encapsulation, a part of its existing header is duplicated to form an "additional header." The packet is then encapsulated using this additional header, and finally, the packet is processed according to the specified actions.

• Independent Claim 19 (Non-Transitory Recording Medium): This claim covers a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that stores a program. When this program is executed by a switch, it enables the switch to perform the method described in Claim 13. This includes receiving rules and actions from a controller, identifying a packet, duplicating a header for encapsulation, encapsulating the packet, and processing it based on the actions.

Uncertainty Regarding CAFC Dockets:
As of April 26, 2026, a search of the CAFC 2026 dockets did not return any scheduled cases specifically listing US patent 9560177. Therefore, there is no authoritative information currently available from the CAFC dockets indicating active litigation for this patent in 2026.