XPOSE: a simulator for network development

Abstract

XPOSE is a network simulator developed at IBM that combines the strengths of architecture-oriented simulators and hardware/software co-simulators. It provides a platform to develop and debug operational and system test software prior to delivery of actual hardware. XPOSE can also be used to assist hardware designers in verifying VHDL functional models for architectural correctness. In this paper, the XPOSE design is described and examples are given from operational experience related to plaNET/ORBIT gigabit network development efforts. These examples highlight the ease-of-use, modularity, dynamic configurability and selective granularity of simulation provided by XPOSE.