Network Processors: Challenges and Trends

Abstract — The aim of this paper is to provide a survey of network processors (NPs), which are a new type of special microprocessors intended for networking equipment, mainly switches and routers. We will describe many aspects in the network processor area. First, we introduce network processors together with their functionalities and requirements. Subsequently, we describe the basic definitions and concepts involved in the network processing area. Second, we describe the architectural specification and implementation of NPs and present comparison between different commercial NPs. Third, we describe network processors software tools including network processor simulators, benchmarks, and other related tools. Fourth, we highlight several challenges and trends in network processing area