Cisco unveiled its nPower X1 integrated network processor — the first generation of a new line of custom-developed silicon designed for programmatically handling high volumes of transactions at high data rates.
Cisco said its nPower X1 is purpose-built for software-defined networking (SDN), enabling on-the-fly reprogramming for new levels of service agility and simplified network operation.
Key features include:
- 400 Gigabits-per-second (Gbps) throughput to enable multi-terabit network performance. All packet processing, traffic management and input/output functions are integrated on a single nPower X1 and operate at high performance and scale.
- Highest-performing programmable control designed to seamlessly handle hundreds of millions of unique transactions per second. The nPower’s industry-leading processing architecture is purpose built for machine-driven events and ultra-high-definition video applications.
- 4 billion transistors on a single chip for performance, functionality, programmability, and scale.
- Enables solutions with eight times the throughput and one quarter the power per bit compared with Cisco’s previous industry-leading network processor.
In a blog post, Nikhil Jayaram, VP of Engineering, writes:
“With over 4 billion transistors, this highly integrated 400 Gbps throughput single-chip will enable Terabit class solutions. It has sophisticated programmable control using open APIs and advanced compute operations that makes it ideal for software defined networks while handling extremely high event rates. It will help simplify network operations and allow new business models while it enables our customers to both support rapid bandwidth growth and transform the Internet.”
http://newsroom.cisco.com/press-release-content?type=webcontent&articleId=1262342
