Integration of Intel IXP network processors

The IXP1200 network processor is now integrated into Emulab, and available to external researchers for remote experimentation. Similar to other Emulab resources, an IXP1200 node can be allocated through an ns script or through the Netbuild GUI. It can be configured as part of an arbitrary topology (of PCs, IXPs, or other node types) with end-nodes, traffic generators, routers, links etc. Through NFS it has access to /proj and your Emulab home directory. You can configure a command to run automatically upon bootup. You have full access to the serial consoles of both the IXP and its host PC, which you can power cycle and of course reboot.

All that makes it easy to allocate, experiment with, and evaluate an IXP-based application.

Currently, we have installed 8 ENP2505 cards (aka Bridalveil), with Intel SDK 2.01 software. We hope to incorporate more IXP1200 nodes as we make space in our machine room, and also IXP2400 cards as resources permit.

Contents


Getting Started in Emulab

To start using IXP nodes in Emulab, you first need an account in Emulab. See Emulab Documentation for more details; especially if you are using Emulab for the first time.


Creating an IXP1200 experiment

An IXP1200 node can be allocated in an experiment in two ways: using an ns script or through a Java GUI called Netbuild. More complicated topologies with LANs, emulated links, routers etc., can be similarly created to test your IXP based application, using either an ns file or Netbuild.

Running your custom application on the IXP1200

Typically, an experimenter will write his/her own application, and evaluate it inside Emulab. Once you have done some basic testing of your application, you can automate its startup in your experiment. To do this, Emulab supports startup commands which are run on the card on bootup.

Test Experiment to get started

Before creating your own topologies, its advisable to try the following first, to get familiar with IXP configuration inside Emulab.

Once you are familiar with how the IXP1200 is set up inside Emulab, you could try richer topologies and your own startup commands.


Node Usage Policies

Emulab has certain Node Usage Policies to facilitate sharing of resources among experimenters. Since we have limited number of boards available, please use resources in accordance with these policies.

Setup Notes


Internals of IXP Support

Nothing detailed, but the general issues and design are outlined in some Powerpoint slides.