Xelerated samples AX programmable Ethernet switches

AUGUST 23, 2010 -- Xelerated has begun sampling its AX family of programmable Ethernet switches. Based on Xelerated’s wirespeed dataflow architecture, the AX family is designed to enable system vendors to unify switching and packet processing for fixed FTTx and mobile broadband access equipment design applications.

The AX switches cater to high-density, high-capacity access systems, including point-to-point Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and 10GbE, as well as point-to-multipoint EPON, GPON, 10GEPON, and XGPON. Its inherent programmability enables vendor customization and in-field feature enhancements -- extending product lifetimes and increasing ROI, Xelerated asserts.

The AX family integrates Ethernet MAC, switching, programmable packet processing, and traffic management into a single chip. Its high feature flexibility allows the AX family to enable unified processing of subscriber sessions and OAM functions, the company asserts. System vendors thus can build fiber access line cards and pizza boxes supporting advanced broadband services at 50-88 Gbps duplex using a single chip.

In addition, the AX family supports Synchronous Ethernet and Packet Time Protocol (PTP-2008) for distribution of synchronization services. Required in Packet Transport Network (PTN) and mobile backhaul networks, this makes the AX family applicable to both mobile and fixed FTTx access applications.

“The next-generation fiber access market is continuing to evolve at a rapid pace,” said Jag Bolaria, senior analyst at The Linley Group. “To stay ahead of the curve, system vendors are looking for ways to differentiate their offerings while providing cost-effective and scalable subscriber session processing. Xelerated is addressing this core need with the sampling of its AX devices.”

To provide faster time to market, Xelerated is also releasing a range of software, development tools, and a hardware reference design kit. Data plane software designed specifically for the unified fiber access market will also be available to reduce development time for FTTx system vendors. Such system vendors can leverage investments in line card designs and data plane software between different platforms, as the AX switches share technology with Xelerated’s HX family of network processor units, the company adds.

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