LSI Introduces Multicore Communication Processor Requiring No External Memory

Designed for applications such as Ethernet OAM, wirespeed security and network timing, the LSI APP3100 can completely offload these functions from the host processor. The APP3100 features a compact 23 mm x 23 mm chip package, operates without external memory and consumes fewer than four watts of power, minimizing board space and power requirements for simplified integration and lower operating costs.

The LSI APP3100 provides networking OEMs with a cost-effective solution for Ethernet OAM and security functions, said Bob Wheeler, senior analyst for The Linley Group. With its memory-free design and production-quality software, the APP3100 makes it easy to upgrade existing system designs with new features like OAM or IPsec.

The APP3100 offers deterministic datapath bandwidth for packet processing and traffic management. The processor also integrates security features including public key acceleration and full hardware offload of IPsec security processing. The processor’s two triple-mode Ethernet ports, capable of operating at 10 Mb/s, 100 Mb/s or 1000 Mb/s, provide flexible connectivity options for bump-in-the-wire applications.

Today’s network equipment suppliers are being challenged to drive down space and power in all new equipment, said Jim Anderson, senior vice president and general manager, Networking Components Division, LSI. The APP3100 enables enterprise OEMs and service providers to cost-effectively deliver Ethernet services that are richer, more reliable and more secure.

The APP3100 communication processor can be deployed without complex programming using the supplied configuration utility. LSI also provides a production-quality, application-specific software package for the APP3100 that reduces development time by supporting the leading IEEE®, ITU-TTM and MEF standards.