Fundamentals, Service and Architecture of Programming Protocol-Independent Packet Processors (P4) for Networking : A Literature Survey
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Abstract
The rapid development of network technology requires a system to be able to adapt to these developments. Technologies such as 5G, Internet of Things, Cloud Computing and even other network architectures will take time to configure because each provider produces varied and fixed interfaces that are difficult to modify. Software Defined Network (SDN), which has the concept of separating the control plane and data plane and a programmable control plane, is able to provide flexibility. However, OpenFlow, which is the communication protocol in SDN, becomes more complex and takes time to implement new protocols. To overcome this, Programming Protocol-independent Packet Processors (P4) can be a solution. P4 is a programming language that can manage how packets are processed in the data plane and can also describe packet headers as needed. This paper discusses the basics of P4, services that can run on P4, and its implementation in SDN/IP networks and new network architectures namely Named Data Networking (NDN) such as Load Balancing, Caching, Security, Congestion Control, and In-Band Network Telemetry (INT), Forwarding and Routing. In addition, we also discuss research opportunities in P4 as a reference and guide for future research.
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