PROGRAMMABLE NETWORK SWITCH FOR USER PLANE FUNCTION

Programmable network switches configured to perform various functions including session management, data processing, routing, and pipeline processing functions. Exemplary programmable network switches include pipeline processing components to transport data packets to network nodes, and data processing components to perform management functions including instructing the pipeline processing component how to transport the data packets. Auxiliary processing components can also be included to perform pre and post processing. The pipeline processing and auxiliary processing components can include ASICs, FPGAs, and other processors in any combination within a single rack mountable unit.