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Programmable Data Plane Intelligence

Programmable data plane intelligence refers to achieving networking for machine learning (ML) and ML for networking with programmable data plane. Programmable data plane intelligence summarizes the mutual integration and enabling relationship between programmable data planes and machine learning.

Programmable data plane (PDP) means that the network device's low-level packet processing logic is systematically, rapidly, and comprehensively reconfigured. In terms of network devices, programmable data planes include programmable switches and SmartNICs.

History

The entire network becomes a fully programmable platform after network interface cards, switches, and protocol stacks are programmable. Wai-xi Liu, Yong Cui, et al. first proposed programmable data plane intelligence in 2022.

In recent years, a series of in-network X works have emerged in programmable data plane intelligence.

• In terms of machine learning for networking, compared with deploying ML on control planes or end-hosts, deploying ML on PDP shows some unique advantages, including shorter decision delay and less decision overhead—for example, in-network defense, in-network classification, in-network clustering, and in-network load balancing.

• In terms of networking for machine learning, compared with other network technologies, PDP can reduce training overhead and time for ML—for example, in-network aggregation and in-network neural networks.