System-on-chip packet processor for an experimental network services platform

As the focus of networking research shifts from raw performance to the delivery of advanced network services, there is a growing need for open-platform systems for extensible networking research. The Applied Research Laboratory at Washington University in Saint Louis has developed a flexible network services platform (NSP) to meet this need. The NSP provides an extensible platform for prototyping next-generation network services and applications. The paper describes the design of a system-on-chip packet processor for the NSP which performs all core packet processing functions, including segmentation and reassembly, packet classification, route lookup, and queue management. Targeted to a commercial configurable logic device, the system is designed to support gigabit links and switch fabrics with a 2:1 speed advantage. We provide resource consumption results for each component of the packet processor design.