SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Intel Corporation today introduced two hardware development platforms that complete a suite of design tools that simplify the development of communications solutions based on the new Intel(R) IXP2800 and IXP2400 network processors. The modular Intel(R) IXDP2800 and IXDP2400 tool suites include chassis-based, dual-network processor baseboards and a selection of I/O media option cards to support development of a wide variety of edge, access and core networking equipment, ranging in speeds from OC-12, 1 GbEthernet to OC-192, 10 GbEthernet. The development tools are part of a complete hardware and software development environment for Intel's network processors, enabling developers to design hardware and software subsystems in parallel. The Intel(R) Hardware Developers Kit 1.0 provides detailed information regarding system architecture, physical specifications, and schematics to speed development. The development platforms also ship with the Intel(R) Internet Exchange Architecture Software Developers Kit (SDK) version 3.0. The SDK is a comprehensive set of tools and software building blocks, including an easy-to-use graphical simulator that enables developers to completely design, debug, and optimize a product in software while hardware architects create a physical prototype. Intel also unveiled the Intel(R) IXF1104 Ethernet Media Access Controller (MAC), which provides a 4 Gbps SPI3 interface to the IXP2400 network processor or other switching silicon for four, full duplex10/100/1000-Mbps ports. The IXF1104 combines a variety of interfaces for both copper and fiber applications with per port traffic control, making it both highly reliable and cost effective. Intel Corp.