Reconfigurable cache hierarchy framework for the storage of fpga bitstreams

A multi-level cache hierarchy for storing bitstreams, the multi-level cache hierarchy comprising:

• a first cache level having a first cache to store a first set of the bitstreams, the first cache having a first access time and a first storage capacity;
• a second cache level having a second cache to store a second set of the bitstreams, the second cache having a second access time and a second storage capacity, the second access time being greater than the first access time and the second storage capacity being greater than the first storage capacity;
• and
• a third cache level having a third cache to store a third set of the bitstreams, the third cache having a third access time and a third storage capacity, the third access time being greater than the second access time and the third storage capacity being greater than the second storage capacity.

A network-based apparatus to manage a cache memory in a multi-level cache hierarchy, the network-based apparatus comprising:

• processing circuitry configured to
• sequentially search a cache at each level of the multi-level cache hierarchy for a requested bitstream based on a pointer associated with the requested bitstream and in response to a request for a network service at a programmable device;
• determine that the requested bitstream is not present in at least one of the caches;
• fetch the requested bitstream from a central repository based on the pointer in response to determining that the requested bitstream is not present in the at least one of the caches;
• and
• program the programmable device based on the requested bitstream fetched from the central repository.

A network-based apparatus comprising:

• at least one processor;
• and
• at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the network apparatus to
• configure a cache manager according to a cache management policy identified in a request from a network orchestrator, the cache manager managing a cache of a multi-level cache hierarchy, the cache storing bitstreams for configuring a programmable device.