A SystemC-based simulation framework for energy-efficiency evaluation of embedded networking devices

In this paper, we discuss the design and the implementation details of a simulation framework which provides an easy-to-use environment for modeling of a network device. This framework comes with a packet processing architecture that can be modified and extended for a particular network device. Moreover, this framework enables the energy-consumption evaluation of the modeled network hardware by the application of energy management modules which can turn off unused modules. The framework is implemented using the SystemC programming language which is suitable for description of hardware and the software running on it. Finally, a use-case of 8-port gigabit switch based on the implemented packet processing framework is evaluated in different network scenarios.