10 June 2003 Morrisville, NC Lightwave --LVL7 Systems, a provider of merchant IP software for Layer 2, 3, and 4 enterprise, access, wireless, and metro Ethernet products, announced that its FASTPATH 3.1 networking software is now available for the StrataXGS and StrataSwitch II product families from Broadcom Corp. With this latest advancement, LVL7's silicon and operating system independent networking software is now integrated with the majority of the world's leading Ethernet merchant silicon.
"By marrying best-in-class switch silicon with best-in-class software, our customers are well positioned and ready to ride the wave that we are seeing for Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and Multi-Layer Enterprise switches," said LVL7 CEO Dr. Albert Bender. "The Broadcom switching solutions provide us with the ideal platform to highlight all of the latest standards and features supported by our FASTPATH software."
The FASTPATH software suite offers a turnkey package that enables OEMs, original design manufacturers (ODMs), and contract manufacturers (CMs) to rapidly and economically bring enterprise Ethernet switches into volume production. Enterprise protocols supported by FASTPATH software and Broadcom switch products include Internet Protocol (IP) Multicast, which is crucial for reducing the bandwidth required for video libraries and online collaboration; quality of service for applications such as voice telephony over IP and wireless LAN infrastructure; 802.1X and access control lists for security and policy management; and support for basic Ethernet switching and IP routing. LVL7 combines these features with a network management capability that includes a graphical user interface, allowing each OEM to have a unique look and feel to their product.
"The LVL7 FASTPATH software suite is an important component of Broadcom's supported third-party software ecosystem, enabling customers to promptly and economically develop software for their next generation of Gigabit Ethernet switches," said Dr. Ford Tamer, vice president and general manager of Broadcom's Enterprise Networking Business Unit. "The rapid adoption of LVL7 software within the industry demonstrates the maturity and completeness of LVL7's advanced software architecture."
The FASTPATH software suite has been integrated with Broadcom's StrataSwitch and StrataXGS product families and is available immediately for both VxWorks and Linux from ODMs/CMs that provide production ready, Fast and Gigabit Ethernet systems.
Broadcom also has joined LVL7's Smart Start Alliance Program, which offers members marketing and customer relationship opportunities that promote best in class hardware and software.