Dedicated processor transports fast Ethernet traffic across PSNs using pseudo-wires, setting the stage for cheap, efficient services

November 12, 2003

1 Min Read

OTTAWA -- Zarlink Semiconductor today unveiled the ZL(TM)50130, the first Ethernet pseudo-wire processor for data services based on the industry's newest IP (Internet Protocol)/Ethernet draft standard.

The IETF's (Internet Engineering Task Force) PWE3 (pseudo-wire emulation edge-to-edge) working group has drafted a set of proposals for transparently tunneling layer 2 traffic such as Ethernet across IP or MPLS (multi-protocol label switching)-based packet-switched networks by creating virtual LAN connections, called pseudo-wire connections. By providing a single network framework for LAN data transport, pseudo-wire services set the stage for more cost-effective and operationally efficient data services.

Zarlink is addressing this emerging standard with the ZL50130 device, a dedicated single-chip, 128-link Ethernet pseudo-wire processor. The device encapsulates Ethernet frames, including maximum-size frames, into IP or MPLS packets and transports them through a packet-switched network over pseudo-wires for reconstruction at the destination point.

"Our ZL50130 processor delivers the highest-performance PWE3 processing capability in the industry, and it's easier and less costly to implement than software-based network processors," said Bruce Ernhofer, product manager, Packet Processors, Zarlink Semiconductor. "The chip features integrated memory, which helps shrink equipment size and cost by supporting PWE3 applications with fewer devices."

Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.

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