# Design of a Hybrid Modular Switch

## TL;DR

This paper introduces HyMoS, a hybrid hardware/software switch designed for NFV that achieves high throughput and programmability using P4-compatible NICs, PCIe, and CPU, enabling flexible and high-performance network functions.

## Contribution

The paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of HyMoS, a novel hybrid switch that combines hardware and software components for enhanced NFV performance and flexibility.

## Key findings

- PCIe switch fabric achieves hundreds of Gbps throughput
- HyMoS supports a superset of P4 language for programmability
- Modular hardware/software design improves NFV deployment flexibility

## Abstract

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) shed new light for the design, deployment, and management of cloud networks. Many network functions such as firewalls, load balancers, and intrusion detection systems can be virtualized by servers. However, network operators often have to sacrifice programmability in order to achieve high throughput, especially at networks' edge where complex network functions are required. Here, we design, implement, and evaluate Hybrid Modular Switch (HyMoS). The hybrid hardware/software switch is designed to meet requirements for modern-day NFV applications in providing high-throughput, with a high degree of programmability. HyMoS utilizes P4-compatible Network Interface Cards (NICs), PCI Express interface and CPU to act as line cards, switch fabric, and fabric controller respectively. In our implementation of HyMos, PCI Express interface is turned into a non-blocking switch fabric with a throughput of hundreds of Gigabits per second. Compared to existing NFV infrastructure, HyMoS offers modularity in hardware and software as well as a higher degree of programmability by supporting a superset of P4 language.