Overview

In the first three chapters of the book, we took a glimpse at the unprecedented technology evolution that has occurred over the last 30 years. We discussed the reasons behind the development of network processors and saw typical operations that must be performed on packets transmitted in modern networks. Several critical factors have enabled the trend toward new sets of ever-increasing requirements for the performance and rapid deployment of sophisticated high-speed network equipment. These include the extraordinary progress in semiconductor technology, the spectacular advances in the development of distributed/embedded computing and applications and operating systems software, as well as the proliferation and pervasiveness of computer networks that will handle voice, audio, video, and data transparently, reliably, and at an optimal level of quality and cost (as perceived by the network users).

In the era of converged global networks, where from a transmission standpoint, almost no difference exists between voice or data, audio, or video, vendors must produce new products in record time while offering meaningful and different product features. These features not only provide a series of unique benefits, but they are also justified in an extremely competitive industry. Network processors promise to combine high performance with versatile functionality while providing ease of use, flexibility, and rapid development. They are a predominant enabling factor for this new phenomenon. In this book, we have been looking under the hood of these devices.

High-speed communications and network-processing equipment contain some clearly defined units of functionality. Once these are combined into the...