Runtime Programmable Switches

Explore the concept of runtime programmable switches in this 16-minute conference talk from NSDI '22. Dive into the FlexCore project, which enables partial reconfiguration of switch data planes at runtime with minimal resource overhead and without service disruption. Learn about design techniques for future networks, including flexible switch architectures, partial reconfiguration primitives, and consistency guarantees. Discover how FlexCore addresses challenges in switch architectures, implements atomic changes, and provides multi-level consistency for multi-stage pipelines. Examine a case study on accelerated multicast and gain insights into the feasibility and benefits of runtime programmable switches for next-generation network management.