Barefoot Networks Presents at Networking Field Day 14

Who is Barefoot Networks with Martin Izzard

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Martin Izzard, Co-Founder and CEO of Barefoot Networks, introduces the company. He goes through his origin story, as well as the pedigree of the co-founders in the networking industry. Finally he gives an overview of what Barefoot Networks is trying to do: bring programmability to the data-plane.

Personnel: Martin Izzard

Why Does the Internet Need a Programmable Forwarding Plane with Nick McKeown

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Nick McKeown, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist at Barefoot Networks, presented on the need for a programmable forwarding plane in the context of network switches. He highlighted the slow development time and fixed functions in silicon as significant drawbacks of current network switches. McKeown drew parallels between the evolution of domain-specific processors in other fields, such as Java and OpenCL, and the potential for similar advancements in networking through programmable switches. Barefoot Networks’ solution to this problem is Tofino, a P4 programmable network switch, which McKeown believes represents the next step in the evolution of network processing.

McKeown explained the inefficiencies of the traditional fixed-function switch model, using the example of VxLAN, a feature that took four years to be implemented in merchant switching silicon. He described the cumbersome process involving multiple teams and stages, from defining the feature to updating the ASIC, which ultimately delays the deployment of new functionalities. This slow pace is at odds with the rapid advancements seen in other tech sectors. McKeown argued that the current model, where features are defined by chip designers and fixed at design time, limits the flexibility and responsiveness of network systems. Barefoot Networks aims to overturn this model by introducing a programmable switch that allows users to define packet processing behavior through a high-level language like P4, which can then be compiled and executed on the switch.

The presentation emphasized the practical benefits of a programmable forwarding plane, particularly in terms of visibility and telemetry. McKeown recounted a scenario where traditional network measurement tools like ping and traceroute were inadequate for diagnosing network issues, highlighting the need for more sophisticated tools. With Tofino and P4, users can gain detailed insights into packet paths, rule matches, queue delays, and queue sharing, all at full line rate without generating extra packets. This level of visibility can significantly enhance network management and troubleshooting. McKeown concluded by addressing potential concerns about the market size and the need for configuration management, asserting that the programmability offered by Tofino aligns with existing firmware and software upgrade practices and is supported by a viable market size, particularly in large data centers.

Personnel: Nick McKeown

A Deeper Dive Into Barefoot Networks Technology with Dan Lenoski

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Dan Lenoski, Co-Founder and VP of Engineering at Barefoot Networks, goes into a deeper technical review of the Tofino Switch. On top of programmability, it’s also the fastest, able to to 6.5 Tbps. This allows for up to 65 100GE ports on the device. He then goes over some of the capabilities of the compiler, and the debugging tools available.

Personnel: Dan Lenoski

How Can You Get Your Hands on Barefoot Networks Technology with Ed Doe

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Ed Doe, VP of Product Strategy at Barefoot Networks, reviews how Tofino switches can be integrated. The P4 programmability can either be done with direct updates from the OEMs, or handled in house if you’re using a white box configuration. Initial OEM partners include Edgecore Networks and WNC, with more planned throughout 2017.

Personnel: Ed Doe

Barefoot Networks World of Advanced Apps with Roberto Mari

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Roberto Mari, Director of Product Management at Barefoot Networks, demonstrates how to program with P4 on Tofino switches. He reviews use cases that P4 can address, including preventing network congestion, load balancing, and getting in-band telemetry.

Personnel: Roberto Mari

Barefoot Networks Tofino P4 Demo with Roberto Mari

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Roberto Mari, Director of Product Management at Barefoot Networks, demonstrates programming Tofino. He shows the UI that can allow for some configuration. Further, he shows how to compile and push the update to the switch itself.

Personnel: Roberto Mari

The Future of Network Monitoring with Barefoot Networks with Chang Kim

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Chang Kim, Director of System Architecture at Barefoot Networks, reviews some of the network monitoring, visibility and diagnostic capabilities of Barefoot’s programmable switch. He reviews conceptually how this is accomplished, where current products fall short, and demonstrates this in practice.

Personnel: Chang Kim