Kontron releases first Cavium OCTEON II AdvancedMC packet processor module

Platform design considerations for the Kontron AM4211 include using it as an eNodeB and LTE network element component or, in combination with full-scale AdvancedTCA blades, as a co-processor Network Interface Card (NIC). The module can be scaled across both MicroTCA (Picostation, Microstation to Macrostation) and 14-slot AdvancedTCA platforms. The new features of the CN6335 processor on the Kontron AM4211 support 1x 10GbE to the front and software configurable interfaces to the Fabric with either 2x PCIe x4 or SRIO which expands its application usage when configuring systems in combination with standards based third-party Digital Signal Processing (DSP) AMCs. The CN6335 processor also ensures the Kontron AM4211 delivers the best performance per watt compared to other multicore processors. Telecom equipment manufacturer (TEMs) will enjoy an undisputable advantage with its unmatched deterministic, low latency 3rd generation DPI performance capabilities with unlimited rules and a rich feature-set on a single chip that includes integrated security for a broad range of applications at the Core, Edge and Access network elements.

This next generation packet processor module delivers seamless, compatible evolution and can meet numerous market requirements when designing high performance 4G network elements, including - increased data plane performance with twice the performance per watt over existing alternatives; high density computing (9 GHz) within a stringent thermal budget (< 40W on 12VDC) making it an ideal candidate for an AMC system component. It is interoperable with third party AMCs based on DSP and FPGA. With direct connectivity to FPGA/DSP AMCs in a MicroTCA platform, it is a complete solution for MAC processing and L3-L7 processing on single chip, achieving a high throughput of up to 15M packets per second (pps).

With the incredible strong demand for 4G/LTE mobile networks, there are increased time and cost pressures to design and deploy new LTE Network Elements which use proven high performance, low power and low cost L2-L7 multi-core processors like OCTEON II, said YJ Kim, Senior Director, Embedded Processor Group at Cavium Networks. As a valued Cavium PACE ecosystem member, Kontron has been very successful with its first generation AMCs based on the OCTEON Plus 5650 series, and is on track for continued success with design win traction using the OCTEON II CN6335 Multicore Processors.

We are extremely proud to have worked with Cavium Networks to design this unique AMC module, said Marc Leclaire, AMC, MicroTCA, ATCA Switch product manager at Kontron. While it has a tremendous increase in functionality and exceptional performance for any number of 4G applications, it still remains the most cost-effective solution that is in line with the COTS ecosystem business model for ATCA, MicroTCA and other implementations taking advantage of AMCs.