Netronome licenses ARM multicore processor for next-gen network flow processors

CAMBRIDGE, UK: ARM announced that Netronome, a leading developer of highly programmable semiconductor products that provide intelligent and secure flow processing for virtualized servers and network equipment, has licensed the ARM11 MPCore multicore processor and a portfolio of ARM Physical IP for incorporation into its NFP-32xx family of Network Flow Processors.

Netronome’s network flow processors (NFPs) incorporate a high-performance, parallel processing architecture to enable wire-speed processing of complex Layer 2-7 algorithms, security processing, deep packet inspection and filtering, traffic management and forwarding applications.

By integrating capabilities that have typically required multiple specialized processors, Netronome NFPs provide a cost-effective, low power platform for a broad range of emerging applications requiring high-performance packet and content processing with robust security features, including switching and routing, network security, broadband access, test and measurement and wireless markets.

The NFP-32xx family of devices extends the performance and application reach of the family of Intel® IXP28xx products licensed by Netronome in November 2007, while preserving the software compatibility with existing IXP28xx devices.

Appropriate telecom and enterprise applications include line cards and standalone communications appliances that perform tasks such as protocol interworking, MAC emulation, Ethernet switching and IPv4/IPv6 forwarding. This is critical in enabling OEMs to deliver new line card functionality and services, while minimizing development time and cost.

In designs based on the NFP, the ARM11 MPCore processor can be used to process complex algorithms, maintain route tables, manage system level functions and perform control plane tasks.

Devices containing the ARM11 MPCore processor can be configured to contain between one and four processors delivering up to an aggregate 5000 Dhrystone MIPS of performance at 1GHz. By providing a scalable solution, the ARM11 MPCore processor enables existing software portability across single CPU and multi-CPU designs.

In addition to the ARM11 MPCore processor, Netronome incorporated ARM High Speed Interface IP in their design. ARM High Speed Interface IP delivers physical interface and analog timing solutions for a broad range of SDRAM DDR (double-data rate) applications ranging from high-speed mission critical applications to low-power memory sub-systems.

These silicon-proven solutions have been optimized for high data bandwidth, lowest power and enhanced signaling integrity features to enable support for a wide range of applications from high-end graphics, high-speed communications to low-power handheld devices.

ARM’s ability to deliver processor IP and physical IP in parallel ensures complete integration of complementary IP enabling the development of performance driven consumer devices requiring advanced functionality without increasing power consumption.

“Our analysis has shown that the use of multicore technology is the most power efficient way to scale wire-speed performance,” said Jim Finnegan, senior vice president of silicon engineering at Netronome. “Having a range of network processor solution options, with architecture compatibility across the entire family of Netronome devices enables our customers to maximize their software investment.”

“The efforts of Partners such as Netronome have helped to increase the ARM architecture’s presence in the networking market. This in turn has driven an ecosystem of optimized software and tools to enable innovative new applications,” said Ian Ferguson, director, Enterprise Solutions, ARM. “With current concerns about energy efficiency and utilization, the ability to perform wire-speed processing inside the power envelope associated with mobile platforms offers significant opportunities for OEM differentiation.”