UML-based design of network processor applications

Network Processors (NPs) are an emerging class of embedded systems used in the telecommunication domain for functionality like routing and switching. In this paper we outline a framework currently under development for the use of a Model Driven Engineering approach to the design of NP software applications. Specifically we introduce the UML profile called NAP (Network Processors Application Profile) which has been specialized so far for the design of SCTP applications.