Pensando Virtual Framework

This course introduces the principles of a virtual x86 environment that integrates the Pensando development framework. It guides students through the implementation process, enabling them to set up a ready-to-program P4 pipeline development environment in just one day.

Within the next few days, students will implement their first functional pipeline along with a controller. Additionally, pipeline testing technology will be installed, configured, and executed.

No other training program accelerates the learning process for creating packet processing algorithms more effectively.

Course Details

Instructor

Bob Miller

Level

Beginner

Duration

4.5 Hours

Type

Online – Self Guided

Key Technologies and Topics

This course introduces following key technologies and topics:

  • Pensando Virtualization Framework
  • Framework functionality Block Diagrams
  • Pensando Simulator in a Docker container
  • Node.js based Controller
  • GRPC interface to Pensando
  • Read-to-program “foundation” pipeline
  • Python base traffic generator 

Key Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • After completing this section of the course, you will be able to:
  • Identify hardware and software requirements to implement the Framework
  • Install the Pensando Simulation environment
  • Install read-to-program “foundation” pipeline
  • Install node.js based controller and configure GRPC interface to the Pensando simulation
  • Develop and install P4 pipelines

What’s Included

4.5Hrs of Video Instruction

14 PDFs

14 Source Files

Section 1: Overview of Framework 

This Section introduces the concept of Pensando technology in the “service” role, as opposed to being in an “in-line” role. The Pensando Virtual Framework, that enables the development and testing  of P4 pipeline algorithms  delivering  “services”, is presented.  

The full development environment, including a Controller  and traffic generator for testing, is also covered. 

Technologies and Topics 

This Section introduces following technologies and topics: 

  • Hardware and OS Requirements 
  • Block diagrams and wiring chart 
  • Pensando Simulator in Docker container 
  • Node.js based Controller 
  • GRPC interface to Pensando 
  • The Virtual Pensando Framework description 
  • Read-to-program “foundation” pipeline 
  • The Framework’s “foundation” pipeline  description 

Learning Outcomes 

After completing this section of the course, you will be able to: 

  • Articulate the architecture of Virtual Pensando Framework 
  • Describe the components in the Framework and the function of each 
  • Describe, at a high level, the role of the P4 tables in the Frameworks “foundation” pipeline 

Downloadable Content

The BlueDot downloadable content for this Section is: 

Cross reference of "foundation" pipeline tables to AMD® Pensando design documentation

Framework Block Diagrams and Wiring charts

Description of the "Foundation" pipeline P4 code

node.js Controller and Python Traffic Generator Design Documents

Section 2: Pensando Virtual Framework

This Section present and implements a Pensando Virtual Framework that only requires an x86 compute environment. The Framework is a fully functional development environment with a ready-to-program “foundation” pipeline. 

This section requires one to two days to complete. At completion, the student has a working environment ready to run new P4 pipeline algorithms. 

Technologies and Topics 

This Section introduces following technologies and topics: 

  • Hardware and OS Requirements 
  • Pensando Simulator in Docker container 
  • Node.js based Controller 
  • GRPC interface to Pensando 
  • Basic Pensando Virtualization Framework 
  • Read-to-program “foundation” pipeline 
  • Installation and configuration scripts and procedures   

Learning Outcomes 

After completing this section of the course, you will be able to: 

  • Identify hardware and software requirements to implement the Framework 
  • Install the Pensando Simulation environment 
  • Install read-to-program “foundation” pipeline 
  • Install node.js based controller and configure GRPC interface to the Pensando simulation  
  • Be ready to develop and install P4 pipelines 

Downloadable Content

The BlueDot downloadable content for this Section is: 

“foundation” pipeline P4 code

node.js Controller

Installation and configuration documentation

Installation scripts

Section 3: P4 Pipeline Development

This Section present and implements the `IP Filter` P4 pipeline on top of the Virtual Pensando Framework . Traffic generation software in installed and configured to test the new pipeline.

The Controller library of functional commands for the Pensando environment is review and exercised. 

Finally, the student is assigned  a set of functional modification for `IP Filter` to implement. 

Technologies and Topics 

This Section introduces following technologies and topics: 

  • IP Filter P4 pipeline  
  • Python based traffic generation scripts 
  • Library of pipeline commands in Node.js Controller 

Learning Outcomes 

After completing this section of the course, you will be able to: 

  • Be able to install a new P4 pipeline  
  • Understand and extend functionality of example `IP Filter` pipeline 
  • Understand and utilize library of pipeline commands programmed into Node.js Controller 
  • Crafting, installing and test P4 pipelines 

    Downloadable Content

    The BlueDot downloadable content for this Section is: 

    'IP Filter' P4 Pipeline Source Code

    node.js Controller code with function commands to pipeline

    Code answers for the assignment

    Increase Productivity

    Online courses are just the right thing to jump start your SDN development. These courses are designed to get you developing code on the latest packet processing technology.

    Learning

    Framework

    Phoenix Framework

    Blog Articles

    Services

    Connect