| Dual-core network processors sample with Linux |
Jun. 15, 2007
Fabless chip-maker Mindspeed Technologies is sampling a family of inexpensive, dual-core, ARM11-based network processors targeting voice-enabled CPE (customer premises equipment) for use by small-to medium-sized enterprises. The "Comcerto 100" chips are accompanied to market by an OpenWRT Linux BSP (board support package) and design kit.
MindSpeed's Comcerto 100 chips are based on dual ARM11 cores clocked at 450MHz. In a typical configuration, one core runs the OpenWRT Linux distribution, handling control and service processing, while the other runs MindSpeed's binary-licensed "media stream processor" executive. Written in ANSI C, the executive handles protocol-specific data/signal processing, with some field upgradability -- for example, to support evolving 802.11n standards, MindSpeed said.
Alternatively, a "flexible" architecture permits "either or both" of the Comcerto 100 chips' ARM11 cores to be used for applications or packet processing, the company said.
MindSpeed Comcerto 100 (m821xx) function block diagram
(Click to enlarge)
Specific chip models currently include:M82104 -- 4CH VoIP Processor
M82108 -- 8CH VoIP Processor
M82152 -- Integrated 2CH VoIP Fast Ethernet Broadband Router SoC
M82154 -- Integrated 4CH VoIP Fast Ethernet Broadband Router SoC
M82170 -- Gigabit Ethernet Broadband Router SoC
M82172 -- Integrated 2CH VoIP Gigabit Ethernet Broadband Router SoC
M82174 -- Integrated 4CH VoIP Gigabit Ethernet Broadband Router SoC
M82190 -- Broadband ATM Router SoC
M82192 -- Integrated 2CH VoIP Broadband ATM Router SoC
M82194 -- Integrated 4CH VoIP Broadband ATM Router SoC
OpenWRT BSP and development kit
The Comcerto 100 chips are supported by an OpenWRT Linux BSP design kit comprised of:- MindSpeed's aforementioned binary-licensed "media stream processor" executive
- An OpenWRT Linux BSP with source for all drivers
- Hardware design files
- Documentation
- Web-based application development support
The OpenWRT BSP includes the open U-Boot bootloader, a Linux 2.6-series kernel, filesystem, drivers, web-based configuration system, make files, and a VoIP-enabled PBX application. Combined with Mindspeeds binary data-plane stack, it is said to support "carrier-class" VoIP via dozens of QoS algorithms, IPv4/6, virtual private networking and firewalls, 3DES & null SHA-1 authentication, and packet filtering.
MindSpeed currently offers two hardware reference boards built around Comcerto 100 chips. These are:- Gigabit Ethernet broadband packet Internet access device [screenshot]
- Gigabit Ethernet broadband router reference board [screenshot]
MindSpeed maintains an "OpenMind" third party developer ecosystem comprised of Wind River, LynuxWorks, Jungo, and Digium, among other notable veterans of the embedded Linux development and support market.
Preet Virk, business director, stated, "Our new Comcerto 100 Series provides unprecedented price/performance in a range of pin-compatible devices. The same software architecture [can] support broadband home routers, enterprise service routers, and high-end integrated access devices."
Availability
MindSpeed's Comcerto 100 (M821xx) product family is currently sampling. It is expected to ship in volume in Q3, priced from $13 to $40 in volume.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed