OEM-Ready Network Appliance features dual processor performance.

Press Release Summary:



Based on Intel® Xeon® Processor 5600 Series, FWA-6500 Series provides high-speed modular I/O processing of multiple GbE and 10 GbE links. Unit offers up to 6-core operation, up to 12 threads per socket with Intel® Hyper Threading, and 12 MB L3 cache. Intel® AES New Instructions free up processor cycles for virtualization and processing, while Intel® Trusted Execution Technology performs SHA-1 hash measurements for RSA decryption key exchanges as part of code authentication process.



Original Press Release:



Advantech 10GbE OEM-Ready Appliance Ships with Dual Intel® Xeon® Processor 5600 Series



12 cores for processing up to eight 10GbE ports

Irvine, California, - Advantech, a global manufacturer of telecom computing blades and multi-core network platforms, announced today that it has shipped its first batch of FWA-6500 dual processor appliances. The FWA-6500 is based on the Intel® Xeon® Processor 5600 Series.

The FWA-6500 features dual processor computing performance for high-speed modular I/O processing of multiple GbE and 10GbE links. Purposefully built for high-end network security and packet processing applications, the system takes advantage of the Intel® AES New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) which frees up valuable processor cycles for more virtualization and processing. Intel® AES-NI adds new instructions which provide robust encryption without the need for additional appliances or increased performance overhead.

Additionally, Intel® Trusted Execution Technology (Intel® TXT) performs SHA-1 hash measurements for RSA decryption key exchanges as part of the code authentication process. This means greater security in network transactions without a loss in processing power.

The Intel® Xeon® processor 5600 series is manufactured around Intel's latest 32nm process technology and is pin-compatible with the Intel® Xeon® processor 5500 series, allowing OEMs to add higher performance platforms to their offerings or to migrate their production to the new 6-core processors. The drop-in compatible 6-core processors allow a smooth upgrade path to the deployed base with minimal to no impact on software applications.

The new processor series brings significant improvements in core density, performance and power consumption as well as new instructions to accelerate encryption and reinforce security. With up to 6-core operation (up to 12 threads per socket with Intel® Hyper Threading Technology), 50% L3 cache increase to 12 MB, and support for lower voltage DDR3L DIMMs, the capabilities of the new processors will facilitate further platform consolidation whilst decreasing power budget.

Network connectivity is fast and flexible with up to 16 front accessible GbE ports supported by 4 quad Gigabit Ethernet modules, based on the Intel® 82576EB Gigabit Ethernet Controller, or, multiple dual 10GbE modules based on Intel's 82599EB 10 Gigabit Ethernet Controller. The modules plug into a 32-way PCI Express (PCIe) gen2 mid-plane, providing high speed interconnects to the I/O controller hub, making the system fast and efficient. RJ45 and SFP/SFP+ based modules are supported and can be mixed and matched as required. Copper modules come with optional LAN bypass capabilities.

"Networking customers are looking for off-the-shelf platforms where processor cores get fed with maximum I/O subsystem bandwidth, therefore benefiting from modular and innovative I/O connectivity with controlled thermal performance," said Eddie Lai, director of business development for Advantech's network and telecom group. "The FWA-6500 gives them just that. Once they have successfully benchmarked and tuned the software, Advantech begins the system branding or customization process with OEM packaging and global logistics support. We are there to accelerate and facilitate global deployment."

Two further PCIe x4 slots are available internally for standard add-in cards for offload purposes or network processor-based co-processing. The combination of the latest Intel® processors, chipset and Ethernet controllers in one platform provides acceleration and off-loading features giving customers the ultimate in x86 processing performance, and accessibility to all the I/O scalability they need.

"The Intel® AES New Instructions, in the Intel® Xeon® processor 5600 series, are designed to accelerate tasks such as whole disk encryption/decryption, internet security and VoIP," said Frank Schapfel, product line marketing manager at Intel's performance products division. "Accelerated hardware cryptography in processors is becoming more mainstream across multiple applications and market segments."

"The modular IO concept is the backbone of our high end and mid-to-high end network application and server platforms to be consistently supported on our next generation designs," said Rover Chen, director of x86 appliance products for Advantech's networks and telecom group. "This approach gives customers the opportunity to upgrade to next generation motherboards or next generation IOs without the hassle of designing and qualifying a completely new system. This also applies to ODM customers with unique IO and system requirements - once a customized IO board and enclosure design is done, customers can enjoy free technology upgrades on the motherboard driven by Advantech's standard roadmap. Our membership in the Intel® Embedded Alliance enables us to deliver our latest platform technologies coincident with Intel's product releases."

For more information about the FWA-6500, visit Advantech networks and telecom at www.advantech.com/NC, E-mail NCG@advantech.com or call toll free: 1-800-866-6008.

About Embedded Core Services -Advantech Embedded Core Services offers design-in oriented services. These streamlined solutions broadly integrate embedded boards, peripheral modules and software. We believe dedicated focus on Embedded Design-in services can fulfill electronic engineering demands at their design-in phase, and bring benefits which shorten the design and integration cycle, minimizing uncertainty and risk. www.advantech.com/EmbCore

Advantech Co., Ltd. (TAIEX: 2395) -Founded in 1983, Advantech delivers visionary and trustworthy industrial computing solutions that empower businesses. We cooperate closely with solution partners to provide complete solutions for a wide array of applications in diverse industries, offering products and solutions in three business categories: Embedded ePlatform, eServices & Applied Computing, and Industrial Automation groups. With more than 3,400 dedicated employees, Advantech operates an extensive support, sales and marketing network in 18 countries and 39 major cities to deliver fast time-to-market services to our worldwide customers. Advantech is a Premier Member of the Intel® Embedded and Communications Alliance, a community of embedded and communications developers and solution providers. (Corporate Website: www.advantech.com)

Intel and Intel Core are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

Advantech is a Premier Member of the Intel® Embedded and Communications Alliance, a community of embedded and communications developers and solution providers.

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