Performance of a network protocol processor

Abstract

Currently, software implementations of higher layer protocols appear to be the performance bottlenecks in computer networks where transmission speeds have been increased significantly with increasing use of optical fibres. In this work, we investigate the feasibility of reducing protocol processing overhead with the design and development of a specialized network protocol processor (NPP). The main modules of a prototype NPP implemented in hardware and two special instructions designed to replace some of the software functions for the network and transport layer protocol processing are described. Tests conducted on the performance of the special instructions, compared with software implementation, show that the overheads of protocol processing can be reduced greatly with the specialized protocol processor. © 1994.