LSI intros highly integrated Axxia communication processor

MILPITAS, USA: LSI Corp. announced the AXM2500, the latest addition to its Axxia Communication Processor family. Designed for wireless access and mobile backhaul applications, the highly integrated AXM2500 combines traffic management, security and packet processing capabilities, the bridging function of an Ethernet switch, and the transport and internetworking functions of a multiservice processor in a single device.

As mobile broadband use driven by tablets and smartphones continues to grow and networks transition from 2G/3G to LTE and LTE-Advanced, operators need cost- and power-efficient solutions to migrate backhaul from legacy systems to IP-based networks. Mobile backhaul networks move traffic between cellular base stations and the core of the wired network, and are under increasing pressure as mobile broadband traffic continues to grow.

Designed for mobile applications such as indoor and outdoor microwave units, cell-site routers, packet transfer nodes and backhaul, the AXM2500 communication processor offers:
* Lower power consumption and space requirements by integrating packet processing, security and switching features, which provides increased security and capabilities.
* Programmable flexibility and deterministic performance through the combination of PowerPC 476FP processors and LSI hardware acceleration engines.
* Software compatibility with the entire Axxia product family, allowing software reuse across a range of solutions.

"Service providers are rapidly migrating to IP-based backhaul to save costs and increase capacity," said Noy Kucuk, vice president, marketing, Networking Components Division, LSI. "At the same time, the growth in mobile broadband is increasing the need for intelligence to be distributed throughout the network. The integrated AXM2500 meets all of these needs."

The AXM2500, manufactured in 28nm process technology, also features enhanced security through its on-chip secure system. Integrating security features directly into the communication processor increases robustness by reducing possible points of attack.

"Managing costs while meeting the ever-increasing demand for mobile broadband is a key challenge," said Mark Hung, research director, Gartner. "Operators will benefit from more integrated IC solutions for mobile infrastructure systems, as they can reduce cost while migrating to 4G networks."