Design of a hybrid modular switch

Ashkan Aghdai, Yang Xu, H. Jonathan Chao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) shed new light for the design, deployment, and management of cloud networks. Many network functions such as firewalls, load balancers, and intrusion detection systems can be virtualized by servers. However, network operators often have to sacrifice programmability to achieve high throughput, especially at networks’ edge where complex network functions are required. Here, we design, implement and evaluate Hybrid Modular Switch (HyMoS). The hybrid hardware/software switch aims to meet the requirements of modern-day NFV applications by providing high-throughput, highly programmable packet forwarding. HyMoS utilizes P4-compatible Network Interface Cards (NICs), PCI Express interface and CPU to act as line cards, switch fabric, and fabric controller respectively. HyMos turns PCI Express interface into a non-blocking switch fabric with a throughput of hundreds of Gigabits per second. Compared to existing NFV infrastructure, HyMoS offers modularity in hardware and software as well as a higher degree of programmability by supporting a superset of P4 language.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2017 IEEE Conference on Network Function Virtualization and Software Defined Networks, NFV-SDN 2017
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1-6
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781538632857
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 7 2017
Event2017 IEEE Conference on Network Function Virtualization and Software Defined Networks, NFV-SDN 2017 - Berlin, Germany
Duration: Nov 6 2017Nov 8 2017

Publication series

Name2017 IEEE Conference on Network Function Virtualization and Software Defined Networks, NFV-SDN 2017
Volume2017-January

Other

Other2017 IEEE Conference on Network Function Virtualization and Software Defined Networks, NFV-SDN 2017
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityBerlin
Period11/6/1711/8/17

Keywords

  • Network function virtualization
  • Packet switching
  • Software defined networks
  • Software/hardware co-design

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Hardware and Architecture

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