ShaRE: Run-time System for High-Performance Virtualized Routers

R. Kokku and U. Shevade and N. Shah and A. Mahimkar and T. Cho and H. Vin and M. Dahlin

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of ShaRE, the first run-time system for the emerging class of high-performance, multi-service virtualized routers. ShaRE introduces two innovations. First, ShaRE includes Everest, a novel variable-quantum, non-work-conserving scheduler for allocating resources to network services in high-performance routers. Everest is agile; it copes with difficult to predict and significant fluctuations in packet arrival rates at small time-scales. Second, ShaRE~exploits unique characteristics of the network services to minimize the overhead of replicating services dynamically or check-pointing and migrating services from one processor to another in response to workload fluctuations. To facilitate such adaptation and to simplify programmability, ShaRE~provides a packet-processing-oriented resource abstraction layer (pRal). When combined with network overlays and programmable router hardware, ShaRE enables creation of commercial-scale overlay hosting facilities that greatly lowers the barrier for introducing new network architectures and services into the Internet.