Master Thesis, 30 hp: Integrate a packet-switching traffic manager block with HOL4P4

Saab; Linköpings kommun; On-site; SEK 179,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

Saab in Sweden invites a Master Thesis candidate to design and implement a packet-switching traffic manager (TM) in CakeML and Pancake, integrating with the HOL4P4 software switch. The project emphasises multi-core performance and clean interfacing via Unix sockets, with extensive testing for IEEE 802.1Q compliance.

Ideal candidates are in the final stage of a Computer Science degree, specialising in Software Engineering and Management, with hands-on P4 experience and proximity to Linköping or

Qualifications

• Intermediate level of P4 programming.
• Understanding of data plane implementation of common network protocols.
• Geographical proximity to Saab operations in Linköping or Lindholmen is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Implement a TM in CakeML and/or Pancake and integrate it with HOL4P4.EXE.
• Interface the TM with ingress/egress via Unix sockets or similar mechanism and utilize a multi-core CPU architecture.
• Validate the TM with an extensive test suite to ensure compliance with IEEE 802.1Q standards.

Skills

P4 programming

Education

Computer Science degree

Tools

Unix sockets

Job description

Master Thesis, 30 hp: Master Thesis: Integrate a packet-switching traffic manager block with HOL4P4

Contact information

Patrik Johansson, Manager

Your role

We recognize the immense value that students bring to our company. Your academic rigor, combined with your enthusiasm for cutting‑edge technology, allows you to approach problems with a unique and insightful lens. At Saab, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced engineers and specialists, gaining invaluable practical experience while making a tangible contribution to our growth and development.

Background

In network switch devices, the traffic manager (“TM”) is a component that handles internal packet buffering, along with scheduling, drop policies and replication. Specifically, in the context of P4‑programmable data planes, the TM is in most architectures located between the ingress and egress stages of data plane processing. The ingress stage sets egress port, or multicast group for a packet, and the TM must then direct and prioritise traffic.

Description Of The Thesis Project

The goal of this Master’s degree project is to implement a TM in the CakeML and/or Pancake languages and then integrate it with the programmable software switch HOL4P4.EXE, which is based on a formalisation of the P4 language in the interactive theorem prover HOL4. The TM should be a separate binary that interfaces with the ingress and egress parts via Unix raw sockets or other similar mechanism. Accordingly, optimally utilising CPU architectures with multiple cores is also an objective. The result should then be validated by an extensive test suite, to ensure compliance with e.g. the IEEE 802.1Q standards it implements.

More advanced TM functionality that may be explored if time allows includes prioritisation based on QoS and evaluation of different scheduling algorithms (strict priority, deficit round‑robin). In addition, demonstrating support for different architectures (for example, ARM and RISC‑V are both supported by the existing toolchain) and comparatively benchmarking the result on real multicore hardware (for example, Raspberry Pi 5) would be interesting. The overarching end goal to which this project contributes is to enable a fully‑featured, formally verified software switch. Note that while this project is based on a toolchain involving interactive theorem provers, it does not require any experience in interactive theorem proving.

Your profile

The project is suitable for one student in the final stage of a Computer Science degree programme, who is about to begin a 30 hp thesis project. You are studying Computer Science with a specialisation in Software Engineering and Management, a programme that combines traditional software and systems development with testing methodologies and agile project management. Strong emphasis is placed on project‑based learning and practical experience. Knowledge of the P4 programming language and demonstrated hands‑on experience working with it are required. Geographical proximity to our operations in Linköping or Lindholmen is highly desirable.

Applicant requirements for this thesis

• Intermediate level of P4 programming
• Understanding of the data plane implementation of common network protocols
• General knowledge about switch and router hardware

We provide the support and guidance you need to translate your theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. Join us and become a driving force behind Saab's technological advancements!

This position requires that you pass a security vetting based on the current regulations around/of security protection. For positions requiring security clearance additional obligations on citizenship may apply.

Kindly observe that this is an ongoing recruitment process and that the position might be filled before the closing date of the advertisement.

Contact information

Patrik Johansson, Manager

[e-mail]

What you will be a part of

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us here.