Dynamically Reconfigurable Network Interface Framework

Emerging, large-scale, distributed science applications sponsored by the DOE will depend on a wide range of high-performance networks. However, as network speeds increase beyond 10 GB/s, software-based implementations of network functions are unable to keep pace. Therefore, network interfaces are needed that can be reconfigured easily at the hardware level, in order to provide the user with any desired functionality: from real-time intrusion detection to remote visualization. This project will develop a framework for an adaptable Network Interface Controller (NIC), based on reconfigurable hardware, to remove the bottlenecks present in current network/computer system architectures. Phase I will perform a feasibility study of the framework, including consideration of potential, target physical devices and development of sample applications. A virtual network machine will be defined, a network application-program interface will be produced, and code samples for further development will be generated. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by the Applicant: The NIC framework should remove the end-user bottlenecks, present in high-speed data transmission, by allowing users to transition from software-based network implementations to much faster on-card hardware-based solutions. The framework would be ideally suited to the needs of the DOE community and other government agencies for high-performance networking, high-speed client interfaces, security, storage area networks, and supercomputing.