Network processors double performance, run Linux

Click here to learn
about this Sponsor:

Home | News | Articles | Polls | Forum

Keywords: Match:

Oct. 09, 2006

Fabless semiconductor vendor Cavium will ship a new line of multi-core MIPS64-based network and security processors early next year. The Octeon Plus CN58xx chips will come with Linux SDKs (software development kits), and will offer full-duplex 10 Gigabit performance within tight power envelopes and size limitations, according to the company.

Like its original Octeon CN38xx line, Cavium's Octeon Plus chips will target networking, security, control plane, wireless, storage, and broadband gateway applications.

Cavium expects the Octeon Plus to double the performance of the earlier Octeon line, while retaining the same power budget, pin-out, and software compatibility. The improvements come thanks to architectural enhancements, higher clock speeds, and innovative power management techniques, according to the company.

Four Octeon Plus base models will be offered, at clock speeds from 600MHz to 1GHz, and power ranges from 15 to 40 Watts:

CN5830 -- four cores
CN5840 -- eight cores
CN5850 -- 12 cores
CN5860 -- 16 cores

Each of the above models will be available with three options, designated by three-letter codes, and corresponding to which IP (intellectual property) blocks are included:

NSP (network services processor) -- handles encryption, reg-ex acceleration, de/compression, networking, TCP acceleration, QoS
EXP (extreme processor) -- includes reg-ex acceleration, de/compression, networking, TCP acceleration, QoS
SCP (secure communications processor) -- includes encryption, networking, TCP acceleration, QoS

Cavium Octeon Plus block diagram
(Click to enlarge)
The Octeon Plus chips offer either 1MB (-30 and -40 model) or 2MB (-50 and -60 model) of L2 cache. They integrate a 72- or 144-bit DDR-II memory controller, with error correction. I/O includes a 64-bit, 133MHz PCI-X interface, along with support for up to two I/O modules, which can be either a block of four gigabit Ethernet Interfaces, or a single "system packet interface" based on the SPI-4.2 specification.

More details about the Octeon architecture can be found in our earlier coverage, here.

Software options

Cavium says Octeon Plus will support standard OSes, including "Linux, MontaVista Linux, and Wind River for both VxWorks and Linux." The chips are also available with a "thin executive" targeting fast-path data-plane applications.

Cavium plans to ship the Octeon Plus with an SDK based on embedded Linux. The SDK will include a GNU tool-chain and GDB development environment, as well as third party toolchains aimed at helping developers port MIPS32, MIPS64, and "other C/C++" applications to the Octeon.

Additional software components expected to ship with the Octeon Plus include APIs, L2 to L4 reference software, WLAN drivers, and software toolkits for IPsec, SSL, SSL-VPN, and TCP stacks.

Cavium expects around 30 third-party hardware and software vendors to offer Octeon Plus-based products, including:

OS/Tools
Software stacks
- IPv6 ready networking stacks
- management plane software
- UTM applications
- VOIP
- JVMs (Java virtual machines)
Complementary silicon
Hardware systems
- standard ATX 1U, 2U, and 3U configurations
- AdvancedTCA cards
- AMCs (advanced mezzanine cards)

Senior IDC analyst Ian Eigenbrod stated, "The next generation of converged wired and wireless infrastructure equipment requires high compute performance along with features such as Robust Header Compression (ROHC), KASUMI security, and subscriber management services within strict power budgets. Processor vendors that deliver leading performance and performance/watt characteristics, general purpose software programmability, and targeted application acceleration are well positioned to capture major designs for next generation networking and wireless equipment."

Analyst Linley Gwennap, of the Linley Group, added, "Integrated multi-core processors with on-chip application acceleration have established themselves as the most efficient method of powering next-generation networking platforms. With Octeon Plus, Cavium [will offer] the world's fastest general-purpose processor for packet processing and security applications."

Cavium CEO Syed Ali said that "Cavium has doubled the performance of the Multi-Core Octeon family in less than two years."

Availability

The Octeon Plus will ship in Q1, priced from $255 for a 4-core, 600MHz SCP version, to $987 for a 16-core, 1GHz SCP version, in 10K quantities.

Cavium is currently shipping an Octeon Development Kit, which includes a software simulator, tool-chain, and reference applications.

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.

Got a HOT tip? please tell us!

Click here for a profile of each sponsor:

PLATINUM SPONSORS
<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=timesys;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=timesys;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=windriver;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=windriver;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>

<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=versalogic;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=versalogic;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=winsystems;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=winsystems;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>

<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=virtuallogix;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=virtuallogix;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=trolltech;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=trolltech;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>

<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=montavista;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=montavista;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=calaosystems;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=calaosystems;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>

<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=technologicsystems;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=technologicsystems;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=technicalsolutions;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=technicalsolutions;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>

GOLD SPONSORS
<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=ultimate;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=ultimate;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		(Become a sponsor)

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Check out the latest Linux powered...

mobile phones!

other cool
gadgets

HOWTOs: from DevShed & IBM DeveloperWorks:

BREAKING NEWS

• Verizon Wireless, seven others join Linux phone org
• Android Developer Challenge announces first-round winners
• Wind River joins open source high-availability group
• Thin clients bulk up on software
• Embedded Linux Conference videos available
• New COM design claims extra robustness
• Push email gains ad-friendly Web 2.0 app integration
• Hats off to Fedora 9
• Lightweight browser ported to Linux-friendly DSP
• Web-based app server ported to tiny ARM9 CPU module
• Linux-ready SDIO controller supports multiple memory cards
• Linux-based touchpanel targets elderly homecare
• Balanced XIP and the AXFS filesystem
• ARM-based controller has StackableUSB expansion
• Intel multi-core threading library supports Sun Studio

Linux-Watch headlines:
• Verizon chooses Linux "platform of choice"
• Hats off to Fedora 9
• Running a small business on desktop Linux
• Sun launches OpenSolaris
• Via tiptoes toward openness
• Linux certification comes to Italy
• Installing Ubuntu Hardy Heron as a web hosting server
• Black Duck Buys Koders
• Open source conference co-locates with Ubuntu show
• Ubuntu 8.04 ready to challenge Windows

Also visit our sister site:

Sign up for LinuxDevices.com's...

news feed

Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.