Mnyandu, Wandile TMakondo, NtshuxekoKobo, Hlabishi I2025-09-252025-09-252025-070-7988-5673-4http://hdl.handle.net/10204/14394Software Defined Networking (SDN) has revolutionised the architecture of the traditional network device by centralizing its control and management planes, leaving it with only the data plane for packet forwarding. While this architecture improves network programmability and management, it introduces latency and is rigid in packet processing. To address these limitations, the Programming Protocol-independent Packet Processors (P4) language allows for direct programming of the data plane, enabling the creation of custom packet processing pipelines (PPP) using programmable hardware like ASICs and FPGAs. This paper provides a comprehensive review and comparative analysis of production-ready P4 solutions and outlines the key milestones in the development of programmable data planes as research publications typically cover their origins in relation to SDN while they predate it. Furthermore, we discuss their practical applications and emerging trends in programmable data plane hardware. The findings aim to guide researchers and practitioners in evaluating suitable P4-enabled technologies for diverse network environments.FulltextenPacket ProcessorsP4Programmable Data PlaneSoftware Defined NetworksSDNTrendsIndustry AdoptionConference PresentationN/A