NetFPGA Summer Camp 2010

Build an Internet routers and learn about clean-slate switches at a 5-day summer camp held at Stanford University

Open to: Academics teaching classes with the NetFPGA, and researchers (postdoc or graduate-student) interested in developing new hardware-accelerated network applications.

Location: The Stanford University campus located between San Francisco and San Jose in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Dates: Monday, August 9 - Friday, August 13, 2010, Time: 9am - 5pm. Evening events will be announced here.

Presented by: the Stanford NetFPGA Group.

Abstract

An open platform called the NetFPGA has been developed at Stanford University. The NetFPGA platform enables researchers and instructors to build high-speed, hardware-accelerated networking systems. The platform can be used in the classroom to teach students how to build Ethernet switches and Internet Prototcol (IP) routers using hardware rather than software. The platform can be used by researchers to prototype advanced services for next-generation networks.

By using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), the NetFPGA enables new types of packet routing circuits to be implemented and detailed measurements of network traffic to be obtained. During the tutorial, we will use the NetFPGA to determine the amount of memory needed to buffer TCP/IP data streaming through the Gigabit/second router. Hardware circuits within the NetFPGA will be implemented to measure and plot the occupancy of buffers. Circuits will be downloaded into reconfigurable hardware and tested with live, streaming Internet video traffic.

Background

Attendees will utilize a Linux-based PC equipped with NetFPGA hardware. A basic understanding of Ethernet switching and network routing is expected. Past experience with Verilog is useful but not required. This week-long summercamp extends the material presented at the shorter workshop events.

Outline

Background Reading

To Attend this Event

  • Mark your calendar with the dates of the event

    • Please plan to arrive Sunday night, August 8
    • Please plan to stay through Saturday morning, August 14

    • Registration fee covers shared meals (all breakfasts, lunches, and most dinners)

      • Registration Fee: $450
      • Register: Registration Site
      • Registration Deadline: June 15th

    • A limited number of scholarships are available for students or instructors from schools unable to cover registration and hotel expenses. Scholarship applicants do not need to register through the registration website.

      • Award of the scholarships will be based on both merit and need:
      • Please provide one paragraph about that describes your relevant technical background in networking and/or hardware design.
      • Please provide another paragraph that explains why you or your host institution needs financial help.
      • Scholarship Application: Web Application

  • Travel Information

    • Direct flights are available to most parts of the country through SFO or SJC
    • CalTrain offers fast transportation between the airports and Palo Alto
    • The Marguerite Shuttle offers rides between the train station, hotel, and campus. No car rental is needed.

  • Book accomodations at the Stanford Guest House.

    • There are a block of rooms reserved for the NetFPGA event
    • These rooms are only guaranteed to be available until 06/29/2010
    • To reserve rooms call: (650) 926-2800 with the reservation code 'NetFPGA'
    • Single rooms are $109/night
    • Double rooms are $139/night
    • Shuttle service available to campus