Dataplane: P4 targets
- BMv2
BMv2 is the open source P4 switch developed and maintained by the P4Lang p4.org group. It can be downloaded here. It uses the V1Model P4 Switch Architecture depicted below:
- TOFINO target
Similar to BMv2, TOFINO uses the PSA - Portable Switch Architecture. However, while BMv2 is a P4 virtual software switch TOFINO (and his older brother TOFINO 2) is a network processor able to switch packet at tremendous line rate.
While BMv2 is an excellent alternative to learn and develop P4 algorithm, TOFINO & TOFINO 2 open the gate to exciting use cases in real production environment.
More information can be found here.
Software for TOFINO NPU is subject to a Software License and Confidentiality Agreement (SLACA)
If you are an R&E organization please submit an application via INTEL/BAREFOOT FASTER portal
- FPGA target
Porting RARE on FPGA is an on-going effort, this target is perfect for enabling RARE/FreeRouter on FPGA card that are produced massively and thus present a very interesting TCO.