This paper proposes an architecture that permits selected application- and middleware-level functionality to be `pushed into' the network, on network processors attached to host nodes in overlay networks, used by distributed grid services or applications. The application- and middleware-level functionality is `split' into multiple components that are jointly executed by the host and the attached NP (ANP). Stream handlers -- lightweight, composable, parameterizable computation units that encapsulate application-level functionality on the network processors, can be deployed at different points on the data path though the host-ANP node, in order to implement a rich set of services.Application-level performance is directly affected by the ability to `push' suitable functionality `into' the network infrastructure (i.e., onto ANPs), and to dynamically customize it to meet current application needs or match current network resources.
Keywords:
Software Interconnects
Network appliance technologies
High speed packet processing engines
Cluster computing