Sunday, January 23, 2005

Broadcom Multi-Layer Switch Offers Embedded Security, IPv6, WLAN

Broadcom unveiled its fifth generation StrataXGS III switch architecture featuring 10GigE support, embedded security, IPv6 routing wireless LAN support and a 72 Gbps packet processor. Applications for the new chips include standalone, stackable and chassis switch configurations supporting enterprise, service provider and grid computing markets. In addition, these devices are suited for use in embedded applications such as blade servers, IP DSLAMs, PONs, and AdvancedTCA products.



Cryptographic technology is integrated on-chip to meet the requirements defined by the U.S. Government's FIPS 140-2 standard. The StrataXGS III architecture also integrates secure WLAN services and fast roaming technology, enabling the chip to be used for a new generation of enterprise switch supporting both wired and wireless endpoints. This unified switching approach would enable any port to be configured for either wired Gigabit Ethernet connectivity or as a WLAN access point (AP). Additional features of the StrataXGS III architecture include both IPv4 and IPv6 routing capabilities, as well as intelligent IP multicast technology.



Broadcom is offering five different chips in the StrataXGS III product family, each targeting different port and functionality requirements. The flagship product, the BCM56504, incorporates 24 GbE ports and four 10GbE ports in a single-chip device optimized for switches with concurrent stacking and redundant 10GbE uplinks. Each GbE port can operate at 10/100/1000 Megabits per second (Mbps) while each 10GbE port can operate in either 10GbE mode or stacking mode. The 72 Gbps packet processor that is capable of processing over 100 million packets per second.
http://www.broadcom.com