Network Processors, Packet Conversion Engine Pte Research And Design

This dissertation prosecutes a systematic study on network processor architecture especially on the packet classification technology. Network processor is one core technology of next generation network and will become the core component of new types of backbone devices such as routers and switches.The most important unit of NP is packet transform engine (PTE), which responses for analysis and processing of packet. The key module of PTE is called Policy Engine executing packet classification function. The primary purpose of packet classification is to meet specific requirements for each type of traffic.The primary work of research and design includes:1. This paper gives an entire research of network processor's architecture and PTE, and then presents one new prototype system of network processor that makes reference to AMCC nP3400.2. Packet classification is a very important procedure of network processing flows. This paper analyses several kinds of implementation schemes with software and hardware perspective respectively. Among these schemes high-speed CAM-based policy engine is relatively perfect, and at the same time it is also the research emphases of this paper.3. A CAM-based high-speed policy engine has been successfully designed and developed using FPGA, result of simulation and synthesis indicates it is able to execute high-speed packet classification preferably under OC-48 optical network circumstance.4. The issue focusing on policy engine's application within network processor unit is analysed thoroughly.