The article discusses programmable multi-core SmartNICs, focusing on two categories: on-path and off-path SmartNICs. On-path SmartNICs, integral to the data transmission path, leverage specialized hardware to enhance throughput and manage packet processing efficiently, significantly influencing latency. In contrast, off-path SmartNICs operate separately from the data flow, using a NIC switching fabric to manage load balancing. Both SmartNIC types feature distinct architectures that play vital roles in enhancing network performance, especially in layer-7 load balancing scenarios where efficient packet handling is paramount.
On-path SmartNICs process every packet on the data path, enhancing throughput and latency using specialized hardware, while off-path SmartNICs utilize a separate NIC-level switching fabric.
The performance of SmartNIC cores is pivotal for load balancing, requiring hardware for packet management and invoking specialized processing for cryptography and compression.
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