Remote dynamically reconfigurable network processing middlebox

Abstract

Remote dynamically reconfigurable platforms use dynamic reconfiguration to provide solutions for applications to cope with changes in both functional and performance requirements. Most existing remote dynamically reconfigurable platforms are inefficient in handling dynamic reconfiguration process. This is due to the use of general-purpose processor in their designs or having limited partial bitstream transmission throughput that results in long device down-time. This thesis presents an architecture of remote dynamically reconfigurable middlebox on NetFPGA development board. The developed platform relies on a customized reconfiguration controller and Internal Configuration Access Port to achieve dynamic reconfiguration. In addition, this platform uses 1Gbps Ethernet link for partial bitstreams transmission to achieve remote update. In order to offer maximum flexibility for network processing, this work includes an architecture that allows remote updates on packetforwarding as well. This allows packet-forwarding algorithm and its implementation to be optimized or customized after deployment. A case study on network protection using this platform is included in this thesis to verify application functionality updates. All hardware designs are verified using ModelSim simulation and tested experimentally using the NetFPGA development board. The developed remote dynamically reconfigurable platform is stand-alone and can achieve remote functional update without the need of a host computer. Based on experimental results, the proposed platform achieves 350Mbps reconfiguration throughput, which is significant for mass remote update as device downtime for update is reduced. The developed platform is suitable to be used as network processing middlebox.