A remotely accessible network processor-based router for network experimentation

Over the last decade, programmable Network Processors (NPs) have become widely used in Internet routers and other network components. NPs enable rapid development of complex packet processing functions as well as rapid response to changing requirements. In the network research community, the use of NPs has been limited by the challenges associated with learning to program these devices and with using them for substantial research projects. This paper reports on an extension to the Open Network Laboratory testbed that seeks to reduce these "barriers to entry" by providing a complete and highly configurable NP-based router that users can access remotely and use for network experiments. The base router includes support for IP route lookup and general packet filtering, as well as a flexible queueing subsystem and extensive support for performance monitoring. In addition, it provides a plugin environment that can be used to extend the router's functionality, enabling users t...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2008
• Where: ANCS
• Authors: Charlie Wiseman, Jonathan S. Turner, Michela Becchi, Patrick Crowley, John D. DeHart, Mart Haitjema, Shakir James, Fred Kuhns, Jing Lu, Jyoti Parwatikar, Ritun Patney, Michael Wilson, Ken Wong, David Zar
• Keywords: ANCS 2008, Computer Networks, Plugin Environment, Programmable Network Processors, Routers