NetLogic intros XLP multi-core security processor with integrated NETL7 knowledge-based processor

RSA Conference 2011, SANTA CLARA, USA: NetLogic Microsystems Inc., a leader in high-performance intelligent semiconductor solutions for next-generation Internet networks, has announced the XLP316S multi-core, multi-threaded processor which integrates best-in-class NETL7 Layer 7 knowledge-based processor technology.

This highly integrated processor that combines NetLogic Microsystems’ industry-leading XLP multi-core processing and NETL7 knowledge-based processing technologies is ideal for next-generation network security appliances, deep-packet inspection (DPI) gateways, intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and anti-malware gateways.

The XLP316S multi-core, multi-threaded processor integrates 16 NXCPUs, and features a breakthrough quad-issue, quad-threaded and superscalar out-of-order processor architecture capable of operating at up to 2.0GHz. The XLP316S will be manufactured in the advanced 40nm process, and is targeted to offer unparalleled performance of 20Gbps and 30 million packets-per-second (Mpps) for converged data plane and control plane processing in advanced network security applications.

Additionally, the 16 NXCPUs are fully cache and memory coherent for software applications to seamlessly run in Symmetric Multi Processing (SMP) or Asymmetric Multi Processing (AMP) modes.

In addition to the 16 NXCPUs, the XLP316S processor integrates the fourth-generation of NetLogic Microsystems’ market-leading NETL7 knowledge-based processor technology to accelerate deep-packet inspection (DPI) and content processing functions at 10Gbps throughput, as well as 10Gbps hardware acceleration engines for all major security encryption/decryption protocols.

The NETL7 knowledge-based processing technology features the Intelligent Finite Automaton (IFA) architecture which delivers significant performance, power and cost advantages, and natively performs stateful cross-packet inspection in hardware. Furthermore, it integrates on-chip memory to provide ultra-low latency access to on-chip signature databases, allowing the processors to accelerate complex and iterative content inspection while eliminating the need to provision for the high-latency and costly off-chip memory that are required by competing solutions.

The unique combination of superior processor cores and field-proven NETL7 knowledge-based processing engines make the XLP316S the industry's highest performance multi-core communications processors for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) developing next-generation network security appliances.

“Our new XLP316S raises the bar for the industry by delivering higher performance and functionality for UTM, IPS and Layer 7 load balancing equipment,” said Chris O’Reilly, vice president of marketing at NetLogic Microsystems. “As the industry’s only quad-issue, quad-threaded processor with integrated layer 7 knowledge-based processing technology, our XLP316S processor is uniquely suited to address the growing market for Layers 2 - 7 security processing in enterprise, small-and-midsize business (SMB) and carrier-class networks.”

“NetLogic Microsystems’ XLP316S processor showcases the benefits of combining in a single chip multiple technologies: high-speed SerDes, deep-packet inspection, and multi-core processors. These are key functions of high-speed processors for advanced security appliances and security blades for networking equipment,” said Joseph Byrne, senior analyst at The Linley Group and coauthor of "A Guide to Processors for Network Security".

The XLP316S processor features NetLogic Microsystems' high-speed, low-latency Enhanced Fast Messaging Network to enable efficient, high-bandwidth communication among the 16 NXCPUs and to support billions of in-flight messages and packet descriptors between all on-chip elements. The XLP316S multi-core processor offers a tri-level cache architecture with over 6 Mbytes of fully coherent on-chip cache which delivers 40 Tbps of extremely high-speed on-chip memory bandwidth. The XLP316S processor also incorporates 2 channels of 72-bit DDR3 interconnects yielding an aggregate of over 200 Gbps of off-chip memory bandwidth.

To complement the 16 NXCPUs, the XLP316S processor offers fully-autonomous processing engines that provide independent and complete offload of certain network functions from the NXCPUs, including encryption/decryption/authentication, ingress/egress packet parsing and management, packet ordering, TCP segmentation offload and IEEE 1588 hardware time stamping.

The XLP316S multi-core processor integrates a wide range of high-speed networking interfaces, including:
* 16 lanes of PCI-Express Gen2.
* Eight Gigabit Ethernet (SGMII) channels.
* Dual XAUI ports.
* USB2.0.
* XEN Hypervisor virtualization and serial I/O virtualization (SRIOV).

NetLogic Microsystems' multi-core processor family is supported by a comprehensive software development kit (SDK) that contains reference and production-ready software components, which enables customers to accelerate time-to-market.

NetLogic Microsystems is now accepting orders for the XLP316S processors with standard lead times.