Network Processor Evaluation for 24+2 Ethernet Switches

Network Processors can provide carrier-class service provisioning to a multi-port ethernet switch. Examples of the types of services to be provided by the switch are Provider Backbone Bridging (MAC-in-MAC) 802.1ah, Provider Bridging (Q-in-Q) 802.1ad, MPLS / VPLS QoS/CoS Profiles, Traffic Management (classification and policing), and Per flow Statistics.

Solutions for both fast ethernet and gigabit ethernet switches are possible, both with higher speed uplinks. To obtain the right cost to performance trade-offs, comparisons need to be made against the solution cost, complexity, availability, performance and power.

Conclusions: 24 Fast Ethernet + 2 Gigabit Ethernet Uplinks

A preliminary evaluation of the available Network Processors show that several vendors all have solutions that could fit the FE+GE switch product requirements.

Further details are available on request. Please contact us.

Conclusions: 24 Gigabit Ethernet + 2 10G Ethernet Uplinks

A preliminary evaluation of the available Network Processors show that several vendors all have solutions that fit the GE+10G switch product requirements, though not all vendors have the throughput capability for supporting 10G streams. Achieving wirespeed performance, port density and cost targets is particularly challenging, and trade-offs need to be made.

Further details are available on request. Please contact us.