Scalable Intel IXA and its Building Blocks for Networking Platforms

Platforms at the edge of the network, such as MultiService Switches (MSS) and edge routers, convert traffic from legacy networks to Internet Protocol (IP) traffic for transport across the network core. Line and service cards in these platforms will have to handle traffic in a wide range of protocols and line rates. Current silicon solutions for edge applications are limited in functionality and performance. These limitations increase both the installation and operational cost of edge systems. Scalable Intel Internet Exchange Architecture (Intel IXA) consisting of scalable IXP network processors (NPUs) and IXF connectivity devices address the limitations of current silicon solutions. We review the application and benefits of Intel IXA for a wide range of wireless and wireline network edge infrastructure platforms. We also discuss how the internal architecture of IXA components enables the external application scalability. The functional flexibility and scalability of IXA will support the expected convergence of voice and data networks and the delivery of advanced services at these platforms.