Script-Based Approach to P4 Data Plane Programming

Abstract

This paper presents a script-based approach to P4 code-generation and device configuration for a Tofino P4 switch. We developed this approach for a prototypical implementation of a DDoS stresser application that should be used quickly and easily by network security personnel without a deeper understanding of P4 programming or switch operation. Using a templating engine for the adaptation of P4 code and switch configuration fulfilled this requirement, while allowing further development of the code base.