the IBM tech- nology and the trade-offs involved in designing a fast network-processing system using IBM network- processing components, it is obvious that using an IBM switch fabric is a less tedious and more straightforward approach. The leading IBM switch fabrics, as well as the corresponding IBM chips that handle the sophisticated interface of the switch fabric and backplane with a network processor inside a complete fast-switching/routing system, are extensively discussed as one of the leading-ven- dor-technology case studies in Chapter 14, "Switch Fabrics." Interested readers may want to consult that chapter in order to obtain a more rounded view of the IBM approach. This chapter may also of interest to readers who want to take a closer look at the intensity and breadth of network technol- ogy research that IBM has been conducting at its world-famous lab in Rueschlikon, Switzerland.5 SUMMARY In this chapter, we reviewed the architecture of IBM's PowerNP by taking a close look at NP4GS3, IBM's flagship network processor. We reviewed its structure as well as its many advantages and pin- pointed a couple of potential shortcomings. We identified design issues with which a systems archi- tect must be familiar, reviewed software development tools and approaches for the IBM NPU platform, and pointed out several trade-offs that should be considered when deciding whether this is the right platform to use for a new design. For a complete view of the IBM network-processing prod- uct-line landscape, however, interested readers are referred to Chapter 14. Chapter 14 is dedicated switch fabric technologies and provides extensive coverage of IBM's leading switch fabrics and fab- ric-NPU interface chips that accompany what has been described in this chapter. 5. http://www.zurich.ibm.com/cs/index.html. Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com) Copyright © 2004 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use as given at the website. IB