Intel Licenses Netronome

PITTSBURGH -- Netronome Systems, Inc., a leading developer of high-performance intelligent networking solutions that provide content flow analysis, deep packet inspection and application acceleration for network and security appliances, announced today a technology licensing and sales and marketing agreement with Intel focused on the extension of the Intel® IXP28XX product line of network processors. Under the terms of the agreement, Netronome is developing a next-generation line of IXP-compatible, high-end network flow processors that combine the Intel IXP28XX technology with Netronome’s flow management and deep packet inspection architecture. In addition, Netronome is authorized to promote the use of the IXP28XX network processors with customers in new designs. The new network flow processors are designed for a variety of communications applications ranging from network switching and routing (L2-L3) to content and flow analysis for specialized network and security appliances (L2-L7). They will support scalable network performance at 10 Gbps and beyond, along with sophisticated packet and flow classification, in a highly programmable design environment that will provide users of the Intel IXP28XX product line with a path to higher performance and software scalability.

Network switches, routers and appliances share a common set of requirements, including high-speed packet forwarding, intelligent flow analysis and processing, and the design flexibility to keep pace with the rapid advances in IP communications. As a result of these agreements, Netronome’s solutions for these network flow processing requirements will be offered in three forms, each optimized for the unique needs of individual manufacturers of L2-L7 applications. Netronome’s solutions will include network flow processors, acceleration cards for integration with appliances based on standard Intel Architecture and complete turnkey network appliances. Each supports line-rate network throughput at 10 Gbps and beyond, while simultaneously offering industry-leading flow analysis and deep packet inspection.

“Netronome is pleased to be the licensee of Intel’s high-end network processor technology, as it will allow us to renew the IXP28XX product roadmap commitment to both companies’ existing customers,” said Niel Viljoen, CEO of Netronome. “Our team is comprised of individuals who have all played significant roles in the definition, design and evolution of the NPU industry, including the Intel IXP28XX product line. This gives us the knowledge and confidence to help our shared customers combine line-rate network performance, intelligent flow processing and unmatched programmability into a single, cost-effective design, while continuing to utilize the investment they’ve made not only in the Intel IXP28XX product line, but also in their associated development environment.”

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