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Deep packet processing is migrating to the edges of service provider networks to simplify and speed up core functions. On the other hand, the cores of such networks are migrating to the switching of high-speed traffic aggregates. As a result, more services will have to be performed at the edges, on behalf of both the core and the end users. Associated network equipment will therefore require high flexibility to support evolving high-level services as well as extraordinary performance to deal with the high packet rates. Whereas, in the past, network equipment was based either on general-purpose processors (GPPs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), favoring flexibility over speed or vice versa, the network processor approach achieves both flexibility and performance. The key advantage of network processors is that hardware-level performance is complemented by flexible software architecture. This paper provides an overview of the IBM PowerNP(TM) NP4GS3 network processor and how it addresses these issues. Its hardware and software design characteristics and its comprehensive base operating software make it well suited for a wide range of networking applications.
Introduction
The convergence of telecommunications and computer networking into next-generation networks poses challenging demands for high performance and flexibility. Because of the ever-increasing number of connected end users and end devices, link speeds in the core will probably exceed 40 Gb/s in the next few years. At the same time, forwarding intelligence will migrate to the edges of service provider networks to simplify and speed up core functions.1 Since high-speed traffic aggregates will be switched in the core, more services will be required at the edge. In addition, more sophisticated end user services lead to further demands on edge devices, calling for high flexibility to support evolving high-level services as well as performance to deal with associated high packet rates. Whereas, in the past, network products were based either on GPPs or ASICs, favoring flexibility over speed or vice versa, the network processor approach achieves both flexibility and performance.
Current rapid developments in network protocols and applications push the demands for routers and other network devices far beyond doing destination address lookups to determine the output port to which the packet should be sent. Network devices must inspect deeper into the packet to achieve content-based forwarding; perform protocol...