rrBox: A remote dynamically reconfigurable network processing middlebox

This paper presents a remote dynamically reconfigurable network processing middlebox. The packet forwarding and other network functional circuitry in the data plane of this middlebox can be updated remotely at run-time by client computer through 1Gbps Ethernet connection. The proposed architecture is stand-alone and uses a customized reconfiguration controller and Internal Configuration Access Port to achieve dynamic reconfiguration. Data plane functional update enables feature extension, customization, optimization and patch on design flaws, which is crucial for application to cope with the changes in operational constraints. A case study on network protection using this platform is included to verify the developed platform and to demonstrate the benefits of remote functional updates. Based on experimental result, the implemented middlebox achieved roughly 350Mbps reconfiguration throughput, which is beneficial in mass remote update with low device downtime for functional update.