Router hardware design guide, where i can get help??

[xiaolee <net.lee at 163.net>]

hi everyone,
    i am a beginner for this ietf. i am now interested in router hardware design, but i need help.

    for example, i am now going to implement a NAT router, for better performance, i have to use ASICs in the router as more as possable. then, how can i design a router which will be both best performance and scalable for the futrue?? is there any information such as design-check-lists i can get form the Internet?? Thank you for your help.

    Thank you very much!