Design methodology for a modular service-driven network processor architecture

We present a design methodology for a modular network processor architecture that leads to a balanced, service-defined mix between programmable processor cores, configurable hardware assists, and specialized coprocessors. Whereas the processor cores address the flexibility and extendibility needs of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computer networks (Amsterdam, Netherlands : 1999) Vol. 41; no. 5; pp. 623 - 640
Main Authors: Gabrani, Maria, Dittmann, Gero, Döring, Andreas, Herkersdorf, Andreas, Sagmeister, Patricia, van Lunteren, Jan
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 05.04.2003
Elsevier Sequoia S.A
Subjects:
Architecture
Methods
Microprocessors
Modular and scalable architectures
Network processors
Networking
Networks
Open systems
Performance evaluation
Scalability
Studies
Systems on a chip
Task performance
Systems on a chip
Performance evaluation
Network processors
Modular and scalable architectures
Open systems
ISSN:1389-1286, 1872-7069
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:We present a design methodology for a modular network processor architecture that leads to a balanced, service-defined mix between programmable processor cores, configurable hardware assists, and specialized coprocessors. Whereas the processor cores address the flexibility and extendibility needs of the networking market, the hardware components offload the processors, or even allow them to be bypassed for certain network processor-typical tasks to optimize chip area, performance, and power efficiency. We describe the rationale behind the selected functional partitioning in hardware and software components and discuss the challenges of designing the hardware components, and of organizing and integrating the programmable cores. We quantify our approach with a performance evaluation of the overall system.
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ISSN:1389-1286
1872-7069
DOI:10.1016/S1389-1286(02)00453-X