Using Xilinx Alveo FPGAs as SmartNICs with ESnet Framework

Table of Contents

Introduction

Welcome to the tutorial on utilizing Xilinx Alveo FPGAs as SmartNICs within the ESnet framework. In this tutorial, we'll guide you through the process of setting up, configuring, and utilizing the power of Xilinx Alveo FPGAs for network acceleration using the ESnet framework.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, this tutorial assumes that you have access to a pre-configured system that has already been tested for development and deployment using the ESnet framework. If you are a student taking CS 595 at IIT in Fall 2023, Airfield would be your pre-configured system. Please note that everything mentioned in this tutorial has been tested on Airfield.

Please make sure you have the following (if you are taking CS 595 you can ignor this step):

  • Basic understanding of FPGA programming and networking concepts
  • Xilinx Vivado 2023.1
  • A valid VitisNetworkingP4 license

For operators/administrators: If you are seeking configuring your system is to is compatible with the ESnet SmartNIC framework, please see: Operator's Guide to Configuring an Alveo Host

ESnet SmartNIC Copyright (c) 2022, The Regents of the University of California, through Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (subject to receipt of any required approvals from the U.S. Dept. of Energy), 12574861 Canada Inc., Malleable Networks Inc., and Apical Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.

If you have questions about your rights to use or distribute this software, please contact Berkeley Lab's Intellectual Property Office at IPO@lbl.gov.

NOTICE. This Software was developed under funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Government consequently retains certain rights. As such, the U.S. Government has been granted for itself and others acting on its behalf a paid-up, nonexclusive, irrevocable, worldwide license in the Software to reproduce, distribute copies to the public, prepare derivative works, and perform publicly and display publicly, and to permit others to do so.

For more information: ESnet's License

Getting Started

Get started with lesson 1: Lesson 1: Overview

Happy networking!