The Role of Network Processors in Active Networks

This paper argues that network processors can play an important role in the implementation and the deployment of active networks. The balance between hardware and software supplied with network processors addresses the demand for performance and programmability in active networks. The paper introduces network processors and discusses their relationship with active networks in general. Furthermore, a specific example of an advanced active networking function is given that demonstrates the capabilities of active networks based on network processors. The implementation is described for the IBM PowerNP network processor.

This paper was presented at ANTA 2002 - The First International Workshop on Active Networking Technologies and Applications,Tokyo, Japan, March 2002.

By: Andreas Kind

Published in: RZ3471 in 2003

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