Network Processing and Network Processors: Bridging Undergraduate Learning and Research in Software and Hardware

嵌入式处理，即计算机被用来监控和控制专用硬件，是主流计算机科学中日益增长的存在。嵌入式处理器监视和控制通信网络的网络处理是嵌入式处理的一个典型例子。越来越多的本科生需要理解软硬件协同设计的概念，并获得嵌入式处理的实践经验。网络处理和网络处理器体系结构为在计算机科学和工程专业的高级本科生水平教授软硬件协同设计提供了理想的环境。该项目开发了一门网络处理高级本科课程，该课程包括：1)基于项目的对网络处理应用领域的嵌入式处理的介绍，该领域对技能的需求不断增加，并且我们预计该领域的技术将有实质性的进步；2)加强网络处理的学术研究与该领域的工业实践之间的联系，因为到目前为止，网络处理器体系结构的大部分进展都是在行业中取得的，以及3)增加拥有通过研究推动这一领域发展的技能的高级本科生和后续研究生的人数。科默博士研究生级别的网络处理器课程正在改编成本科生级别的网络处理和处理器课程。所有开发的课程材料，包括课程笔记和实验室练习，都将在互联网上免费提供，供教授类似软硬件联合设计课程的学术机构使用。实验练习与科默-彼得森课文相适应，并交叉链接了课文的网站。

Embedded processing, where computers are used to monitor and control dedicated hardware, is a growing presence within mainstream computer science. Network processing, where embedded processors monitor and control communication networks, is a premier example of embedded processing. There is a growing need for undergraduate students to understand software-hardware co-design concepts and to acquire practical experience in embedded processing. Network processing and network processor architecture provide an ideal context in which to teach software-hardware co-design at the advanced undergraduate level in Computer Science and Engineering.This project develops an advanced undergraduate course in network processing that includes: 1) a project-based introduction to embedded processing in an application area, network processing, where there is increasing demand for skills and for which we anticipate substantial advances in technology, 2) a strengthening of ties between academic study of network processing and industrial practice in the field, given the fact that most advances in network processor architectures to date have been made in industry, and 3) growing the pool of advanced undergraduates and subsequent graduate students with the skills for advancing this field via research. Materials are being adapting from Dr. Comer's graduate-level course on network processors into an undergraduate-level course on network processing and processors. All developed course materials, including course notes and laboratory exercises will be freely available on the Internet to academic institutions teaching similar software-hardware co-design courses. The lab exercises are fitted to the Comer-Peterson text, and cross-linked the text's web site.