Actually, large data centers are using FPGAs at the network edges. The FGPA does data compression and/or encryption. This optimizes network bandwidth and does not tie up the CPU. I expect to see distributed network routing code so the communication can be peer to peer with no routers. I expect to see firewalls specific to a node (e.g. only web traffic from the traffic splitter). I expect to security code (e.g. no exfiltration from the confidential store-only machine).
All of this without involving the CPU... ASIC is too expensive but FPGAs are great. Intel bought Altera (about 45% of the FPGA market) which annoys me / excites me because I use Altera. I expect the next Gen CPUs to have an embedded FPGA so you can make your own instructions.
All of this without involving the CPU... ASIC is too expensive but FPGAs are great. Intel bought Altera (about 45% of the FPGA market) which annoys me / excites me because I use Altera. I expect the next Gen CPUs to have an embedded FPGA so you can make your own instructions.