Sítě nové generace: programovací jazyk P4

Abstract

Software-defined networks (SDN) represent a significant advance in the management and control of network traffic, with the OpenFlow protocol playing a key role in their emergence. However, its limitations led to the development of the P4 programming language, which offers improved adaptability to network devices through programmable switches. The P4 language facilitates the programmability of network devices, allowing them to dynamically route packets and adapt their behavior based on recorded P4 programs. This work demonstrates the basic functionality and syntax of the P4 language through its deployment to programmable switches in a functional testbed, while incorporating a control plane implementation using ONOS, including the deployment of a custom application. The functionality of the developed P4 program is tested by enabling packet switching within a single subnet. The network designed in this way is easily extensible and can be adapted to specific requirements. The work presents the flexibility and freedom of designing custom algorithms for packet processing, where all logic depends on the decision of the programmer himself.