Breakthrough in Highly Integrated Network Processor Provides Unprecedented Price, Performance, and Programmability for Enterprise Applications

Strategic Insights -

MMC Networks, a pioneer of network processors and leader in providing unified Network Processing Platforms, has announced its next-generation network processor, the nP3400. This software-programmable, multi-processor, single-programming-model network processor has been optimized for high-volume LAN applications, including 24 Fast Ethernet and 2 Gigabit Ethernet wiring closet stackable switches. The single chip solution from MMC enables network equipment vendors to develop policy-enabled, future-proofed, field upgradeable, programmable switches at the price-point of next-generation mainstream wiring closet solutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The nP3400 is a highly integrated single chip solution that has been cost-optimized for the LAN while maintaining flexibility through its programmable architecture to support policy-based Layer 2/3 and Layer 4+ switching.
  • The nP3400 supports sophisticated features such as transparent LAN services, network address translation, and deterministic processing of delay-sensitive voice over IP traffic.
  • The nP3400 has a highly parallel, multi-tasked architecture, allowing for wirespeed classification at gigabit-rates independent of traffic characteristics.
  • The nP3400 contains flexible interfaces that can be configured to provide 24 ports of Fast Ethernet and 2 ports of Gigabit Ethernet, 24 ports of Fast Ethernet, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a stackable port, or two devices combined into 48 ports of Fast Ethernet and 2 ports of Gigabit Ethernet.
  • The nP3400 has on-chip Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet MACs, minimizing cost and board area in LAN applications.
  • The nP3400 achieves the cost point of mainstream wiring closet solutions with programmability and embedded policy support, unique in the industry today.
  • The nP3400 is highly scaleable, both in terms of processing capabilities and interface speeds, with the capacity to process up to 6.6 million packets per second.
  • The nP3400 is available in sample quantities in 1Q00, with production by mid-year, priced below $100 for volume quantities.

Statistics:

  • 24 Fast Ethernet ports and 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 4.4 Gbps switching element
  • Up to 6.6 million packets per second processing capacity
  • $100 price point for volume quantities
  • 12 unique interfaces configurations
  • 1 Q (first quarter) 2000 availability date for sample quantities
  • Mid-year 2000 production date

Sources:

  • MMC Networks press release, "Breakthrough in Highly Integrated Network Processor Provides Unprecedented Price, Performance and Programmability for Enterprise Applications" (January 10, 2000)
  • International Data Corporation, "MMC Networks Achieves Breakthrough in Network Processor Technology" (Author: Sean Lavey, Research Analyst)