Executing Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK) applications using a pipeline architecture involves structuring packet processing as a series of interconnected stages. Each stage performs a specific function, such as packet classification, modification, or forwarding. Data packets flow sequentially through these stages, enabling parallel processing and potentially increased throughput. For example, a pipeline might consist of stages for input, header parsing, routing table lookup, and output, with each stage operating on a distinct subset of packets concurrently.
The advantage of this approach lies in improved resource utilization and the potential for enhanced performance. By dividing the workload into smaller, more manageable tasks and distributing them across multiple CPU cores or hardware accelerators, overall packet processing speed can be significantly increased. Historically, this method was adopted to address the growing demands of network infrastructure, where efficient packet handling is paramount. The efficiency translates to lower latency and higher bandwidth, which are critical for modern networking applications.
