The Potential of Run-Time Compilation in Active Networks based on Network Processors

Whereas byte-code representations in active networks based on capsules can provide architectural neutrality and code compactness, the resulting execution speed is typically poor due to interpretation overhead. This paper shows that the performance of active networks can benefit from compiling active network programs into native network processor instructions directly at routers (run-time compilation). A key aspect of the paper is to demonstrate in general that run-time compilers for active networks can be fast and small. The approach has been implemented based on the SNAP active network framework for a PowerNP network processor.