Header Parsing Logic in Network Switches Using Fine and Coarse-Grained Dynamic Reconfiguration Strategies
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Date
2014-04-29
Authors
Sonek, Alexander
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Waterloo
Abstract
Current ASIC only designs which interface with a general purpose processor are fairly restricted as far as their ability to be upgraded after fabrication. The primary intent of the research
documented in this thesis is to determine if the inclusion of FPGAs in existing ASIC designs can be considered as an option for alleviating this constraint by analyzing the performance of
such a framework as a replacement for the parsing logic in a typical network switch.
This thesis also covers an ancilliary goal of the research which is to compare the various methods used to reconfigure modern FPGAs, including the use of self initiated dynamic partial
reconfiguration, in regards to the degree in which they interrupt the operation of the device in which an FPGA is embedded. This portion of the research is also conducted in the context of a
network switch and focuses on the ability of the network switch to reconfigure itself dynamically when presented with a new type of network traffic.
Description
Keywords
FPGA, Coarse Grained, Fine Grained