Architecture Characterization for Packet Processing

Increasing network speeds have placed enormous burden on the processing requirements and the processors are expected to carry out a variety of tasks. Network Processors (NP)[1][2] is the blanket name given to the processors, which are evolved with a tradeoff, flexibility Vs performance. Network Processors are offered by a number of vendors; to take the main burden of processing requirement of network related operations from the conventional processors. Network Processors cover a spectrum of design tradeoff, that span in between the custom ASIC and the general-purpose processors. However the need is not yet well established and is undergoing continuous refinements. This paper focuses on the performance evaluation for network processors vis-à-vis general-purpose processors and determine if Network Processors have a role to play in design of network products in future