Query-transaction acceleration using a DRP enabling high-speed stateful packet-by-packet self-reconfiguration

Ubiquitous computing and the upcoming broadcast-and-communication convergence require networks that provide very complex services. In particular, networks are needed that can service several users or terminals at various times or places with various application-layer functions that can be changed at a high response speed by adding high-speed processing at the network edge. I present a query-transaction acceleration appliance that uses a dynamic reconfigurable processor (DRP) and enables high-speed stateful packet-by-packet self-reconfiguration to achieve that requirement. This appliance processes at high speeds, has flexible application layer functions that are changeable with a high-speed response, and uses direct packet I/O bypassing memory, hierarchical interconnection of processors, and stateful packet-by-packet self-reconfiguration. In addition, the DRP enables the fabrication of a compact and electric-power-saving appliance. I made a prototype and implemented several transport/application layer functions, such as TCP connection control, auto-caching of server files, uploading cache data for server, and selection/insertion/deletion/update of data for a database. In an experimental evaluation in which four kinds of query-transactions were continually executed in order, I found that the appliance achieved four functions changeable at a high response speed (within 1 ms), and a processing speed (2,273 transactions/sec.) 18 times faster than a PC with a 2-GHz processor.