Packet Processors minimize network load on servers.
Press Release Summary:
WANic(TM) 56511 processors feature 8 lane PCI Express host interface and WANic 56512 systems have 4-lanes of PCI Express to host. Both include 10 GbE interface and 12-core, 750 MHz processor as well as up to 4 Gb of DDR2 SDRAM packet memory and up to 4 Gb of Flash disk. Units execute traffic shaping, security algorithms, compression, and encryption prior to network traffic reaching server. Software development package provides Power On Self Test firmware and Linux(TM) Support Package.
Original Press Release:
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms Announces Packet Processors That Reduce Network Load on Servers
WANic(TM) 56511, 56512 allow higher bandwidth, more secure communications
o Reduces the cost of managing high bandwidth network connections
o Flexible implementation with one or two 10Gbit Ethernet interfaces
o Latest multicore OCTEON(TM) Plus processor from Cavium Networks improves performance and scalability
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA March 10, 2009 GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, today announced the WANic(TM) 56511 and WANic(TM) 56512 intelligent, high performance packet processors. Designed to allow customers to respond to the rapidly-increasing network traffic loads that are a result of growth in the use of search engines, cloud computing, mobile devices, Web 2.0 and online gaming, the new processors offload processing from the host system, allowing for more cost-effective, higher performance expansion of capacity. Target customers include system design engineers, system architects and product managers building networked communications systems based on the PCI Express(TM) architecture who need secure IP communications and 10Gb Ethernet packet processing for commercial, telecommunications, and defense applications.
"The WANic 56511 and 56512 are the first and, at this time, the only products of this type available today: no competing product offers comparable price/performance in complex, demanding network applications," said Rubin Dhillon, Communications Product Manager at GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. "They will allow our customers to design and build network devices more easily, at lower cost and with quicker time to revenue, and with the opportunity to add value through scalable functionality."
"As networks expand, become larger, and more complex our customers are looking to add 10Gbit Ethernet interfaces to their communications systems, " continued Dhillon. "However, this places an additional processing burden on those systems. The WANic 56511 and 56512 are designed to offload the network processing in a communications appliance or server. Execution of traffic shaping, security algorithms, compression, encryption and so on are performed by the WANic packet processors prior to the network traffic reaching the server - and thus represent a very cost-effective alternative to upgrading server host processors. "
The WANic 56511 and 56512 are the first PCI Express packet processors to feature the OCTEON(TM) Plus CN5650 12-core 750MHz processor from Cavium Networks and 10Gb Ethernet interfaces, , enabling them to deliver outstanding performance at minimum cost. The WANic 56511 has one 10Gb Ethernet interface, an eight lane PCI Express host interface, and a 12-core, 750MHz OCTEON Plus processor. The WANic 56512 (available Q2 2009) has two 10Gb Ethernet interfaces, four-lanes of PCI Express to the host, and a 12-core, 750MHz processor.
Other key features of the WANic 56511 and 56512 include up to 4GBytes of DDR2 SDRAM packet memory and up to 4GBytes of Flash disk, providing the fast storage necessary for optimum throughput. A fully-featured software development package provides comprehensive Power On Self Test (POST) firmware embedded in the hardware, while a Linux(TM) Support Package (LSP) and sample application code allow customers to shorten development times and thus minimize time to revenue. Both products are designed for enterprise and NEBS compliant telecom class applications.
Packet processing is becoming a critical element in the packet dependent applications that are at the heart of today's networks - applications such as Session Border Controllers, Secure Access (IPsec) , Firewalls, Network Address Translation (NAT), Traffic Management, router/switch, and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and lawful intercept.
Packet processing is the act of data identification, inspection, extraction, manipulation or otherwise accessing the elements of a data packet. Its purpose is to gather statistics, interpret data, provide secure communications, perform traffic shaping and routing. Simplified, it is a pre-defined action based on the contents of the packet. Packet processors like the WANic 56511 and 56512 offer several advantages over traditional network processors for processing data packets because the hardware is tailored for packet movement. GE Fanuc offers the industry's broadest range of packet processors, including PCI-X®, PCI Express, AdvancedMC and AdvancedTCA blade form factors to meet customer application requirements.
For more information: www.gefanuc.com/embedded
About GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a joint venture between General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) and FANUC LTD of Japan, is an experienced high-performance technology company and a global provider of hardware, software, services, and expertise in automation and embedded computing. We offer a unique foundation of agile, advanced and ultra-reliable technology that provides customers a sustainable advantage in the industries they serve, including energy, water, consumer packaged goods, government & defense, and telecommunications. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms is a worldwide company headquartered in Charlottesville, VA and is part of GE Enterprise Solutions. For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com.
About GE Enterprise Solutions
GE Enterprise Solutions elevates customers' productivity and profitability with integrated solutions using sensors and non-destructive testing; security and life safety technologies; power system protection and control; and plant automation and embedded computing systems. Enterprise Solutions' high-tech, high-growth businesses include Sensing & Inspection Technologies, Security, Digital Energy, and GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. The business has 17,000 problem-solving employees in more than 60 countries around the world.
Linux is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. PCI-X is a registered trademark and PCI Express is a trademark of PCI-SIG. OCTEON is a trademark of Cavium Networks. WANic is a trademark of GE Fanuc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For more information contact:
Ian McMurray
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms
t: +44 (0) 1327 322821
e: ian.mcmurray@gefanuc.com
