In recent years we have witnessed a proliferation of data structure and algorithm proposals for efficient deep packet inspection on memory based architectures. In parallel, we have observed an increasing interest in network processors as target architectures for high performance networking applications.In this paper we explore design alternatives in the implementation of regular expression matching architectures on network processors (NPs) and general purpose processors (GPPs). Specifically, we present a performance evaluation on an Intel IXP2800 NP, on an Intel Xeon GPP and on a multiprocessor system consisting of four AMD Opteron 850 cores. Our study shows how to exploit the Intel IXP2800 architectural features in order to maximize system throughput, identifies and evaluates algorithmic and architectural trade-offs and limitations, and highlights how the presence of caches affects the overall performances. We provide an implementation of our NP designs within the Open Network Laboratory (http://www.onl.wustl.edu).

The Open Network Laboratory (ONL) is a remotely accessible network testbed designed to enable networking faculty, students and researchers to conduct experiments using high performance routers and applications. The system is built around a set of extensible, high-performance routers and has a graphical interface that enables users to easily configure and run experiments remotely. ONL's Remote Laboratory Interface (RLI) allows users to easily configure a network topology, configure routes and packet filters in the routers, assign flows or flow aggregates to separate queues with configurable QoS and attach hardware monitoring points to real-time charts. The remote visualization features of the RLI make it easy to directly view the effects of traffic as it moves through a router, allowing the user to gain better insight into system behavior and create compelling demonstrations. Each port of the router is equipped with an embedded processor that provides a simple environment for software plugins allowing users to extend the system's functionality. This paper describes the general facilties and some networking experiments that can be carried out. We hope that you and your collegues and students will check out the facility and register for an account at our web site <u>onl.arl.wustl.edu</u>

Over the last decade, programmable Network Processors (NPs) have become widely used in Internet routers and other network components. NPs enable rapid development of complex packet processing functions as well as rapid response to changing requirements. In the network research community, the use of NPs has been limited by the challenges associated with learning to program these devices and with using them for substantial research projects. This paper reports on an extension to the Open Network Laboratory testbed that seeks to reduce these "barriers to entry" by providing a complete and highly configurable NP-based router that users can access remotely and use for network experiments. The base router includes support for IP route lookup and general packet filtering, as well as a flexible queueing subsystem and extensive support for performance monitoring. In addition, it provides a plugin environment that can be used to extend the router's functionality, enabling users to carry out significant network experiments with a relatively modest investment of time and effort. This paper describes our NP router and explains how it can be used. We provide several examples of network experiments that have been implemented using the plugin environment, and provide some baseline performance data to characterize the overall system performance. We also report that these routers have already been used for ten non-trivial projects in an advanced architecture course where most of the students had no prior experience using NPs.

The Open Network Laboratory (ONL) is a remotely accessible network testbed of high performance routers which has been designed with an eye towards ease of use for users from the naïve to the expert. The system is built around a set of high-performance routers that are extendible and easily configurable through the Remote Laboratory Interface (RLI), an intuitive graphical interface. The RLI also makes it easy to configure packet filters in the routers, assign flows or flow aggregates to separate queues with configurable QoS and attach hardware monitoring points to real-time charts. The RLI's real-time charts and user data facility makes it easy to directly view the effects of traffic as it moves through a router, allowing the user to gain better insight into system behavior and create compelling demonstrations. Each port of the router is equipped with an embedded processor that supports software plugins which allow users to extend the system's functionality. This paper describes the ONL and how it can be used in networking education. You should checkout our web site onl.arl.wustl.edu which includes a short video.

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