Understanding P4
P4 is more than a regular programming language; rather a paradigm shift in the way we see constructs and the development of network protocols. For years, network devices were made with hardware set to operate under certain protocols. Nonetheless, this limited freedom to respond to the dynamic needs of a network.
P4 allows network engineers to determine how packets will be processed in a protocol-neutral way, rather than being confined by constraints. It depends on the specific needs of the network rather than following fixed protocols.
Powerful Networking Data-Plane Language: P4
In today’s rapidly changing working environment, it is very important to be efficient, flexible, and adaptable. P4 (Programming Protocol-independent Packet Processors) is a revolutionary language in the area of network infrastructure. P4 provides a novel networking concept where a higher-level language is used in specifying how packages should be processed within networking machines. The importance of P4 for the future of networking is discussed in this article.