Network Systems Design Using Network Processors

Acknowledged computer networking expert Douglas Comer has authored the first-ever textbook on networking processors. Dr. Comer offers both professionals and advanced students comprehensive instruction on how to design and build network systems using the latest network processor technology. This unique text explains the software and hardware architectures used to implement the Internet, including switches, routers, bridges, NAT boxes, firewalls, intrusion-detection systems and load balancers.

Significant Features:

• Focuses on how to build network systems
• Discusses the motivation for and use of network processor technologies
• Provides an overview of network processor architectures
• Examines programming languages used with network processors and includes tested network processor code
• Offers course notes and supplemental materials at http://www.npbook.cs.purdue.edu

Network System Design Using Network Processors is the right book at the right time. Networking expert Douglas Comer divides this book into four major sections: a quick review of basics and packet header formats; Traditional Protocol Processing Systems; Network Processors - an independent overview of the technology, including motivation, economics, inherent complexities, and various examples of commercial architectures; and Intel's network processor. Network processor complexity is boiled down and simplified by allowing readers to see example code for a commercial processor, detailed explanations on the motivation and economics behind the technology, and a glossary for quick reference. The book's scope includes the concepts, principles, and hardware and software architectures that are the underpinnings of the design and implementation of network systems including routers, bridges, switches, intrusion detection systems, and firewalls - all independent of vendor specifics. An excellent fusion of network processing design principles, current architectures, and architectural directions, it is sure to become the standard text for this field the minute it hits the shelves.

Douglas E. Comer, professor of computer science at Purdue University and Fellow of the ACM, is one of the leading networking authorities. As a member of the Internet Architecture Board, he participated in the formation of the Internet in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Dr. Comer consults with companies on the design and implementation of network systems.