Didactic architectures and simulator for network processor learning

Abstract

In our university, we are developing a project about Reconfigurable Network Processors (RNP). There are four important results: Reconfigurable CISC Network Processor (RCNP) architecture, Reconfigurable RISC Network Processor (R2NP) architecture, Network Processor Simulator (NPSIM), and a performance analytical model for the ISA (Instruction Set Architecture). The architectures and the simulator are not commercial products, but conceptual models. This paper shows the main functionality of those four results and the their applicability on the Network Processor learning. As our Network Processor architectures and simulator are simpler than commercial products, their conceptual models can aid students to learn network processors concepts, as a first step to understand other complex architectures.