NEW ClassSwitch ETHERNET PLATFORM FROM ZARLINK!
The new ClassSwitch Ethernet platform targets IP video distribution and network security:
ZARLINK has introduced the first two devices of its new ClassSwitch platform. The solutions are full-service Layer 2 Ethernet switches designed for network access equipment supporting packet-based applications, such as IPTV (Internet Protocol Television).
ZARLINK's ClassSwitch platform supports the cost-effective design of line cards or compact systems deployed in central offices, cable head ends or customer premises equipment and which must aggregate, inspect and modify multiple real-time applications delivered over Fast and Gigabit Ethernet. The devices enable IP multicast packet-forwarding service distribution, a key element in the delivery of IP video in the first mile.
The platform includes the ZL™33042 with 24 FE (Fast Ethernet) + 2 GE (Gigabit Ethernet) port configurations and the ZL33046 Ethernet switch delivering 16 FE + 2 GE port configurations. Future devices will incorporate lower and higher data throughput and optional port count configurations.
Growing demand for real-time packet services, including television over broadband, requires network access equipment that more efficiently analyzes and manages network traffic. Pacific Crest estimates the IPTV market will grow from 3 million subscribers today to over 25 million in 2008, and 75 million in 2010.
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ZARLINK's Ethernet switches integrate a hardware-based DoS (denial of service) attack-flow engine to protect against viruses and malicious attacks. This attack prevention engine ensures uninterrupted services while preventing the loss of information or revenue that can result from network disruptions.
ZARLINK's Ethernet switches include up to 24 MACs (media access controllers) for 10/100 Mbps and two GMACs (Gigabit MACs) for 10/100/1000 Mbps. All MACs and GMACs support copper (twisted wire) or fiber optic physical interfaces. In its core, the device family provides multi-field traffic classification of L2 and L7 fields, IP Multicast and Unicast bandwidth distribution, as well as a traffic queuing engine.
Fair management of traffic is maintained at all times through an advanced WFQ scheduling algorithm, flexible packet buffer and queue management, and a WRED (weighted random early detect) algorithm. To simplify equipment design, the platform's parametric programmability allows efficient and flexible system development without requiring additional programming for network processor implementations.
Programmable prioritized filtering and forwarding allows for hardware-based per-flow accounting, thus allowing processor resources to be dedicated to more important tasks.
ZARLINK's ClassSwitch family is supported by a field-proven software platform. The switches incorporate device driver software offering an easy-to-use API (application programming interface) supporting advanced access control, and various protocol modules including IGMPv3 for IP video applications.
The ZL33042 and ZL33046 Ethernet switches are shipping now. Evaluation boards with various plug-in modules for 100/1000 Ethernet transceivers as well as CPU modules based on PowerPC, ARM and MIPS will become available soon.
If you would like to find out more, please don't hesitate to contact:
Ondrej Gavura, EXT 953
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