Overview

With the introduction of second generation network processors, developers are demanding greater capabilities than they received from earlier versions. The new processors run more sophisticated applications, such as advanced quality-of-service (QoS), which performs such tasks as policing, multi-protocol conversion, and content-aware packet inspection and classification.

Developers are considering sophisticated and innovative uses for network processors, such as video distribution, iSCSI storage gateways, virtual private network (VPN) edge servers and other secure content processing applications. At the same time, data rates continue to climb past OC-12 or gigabit rates to OC-48 towards 10-gigabit ethernet. Developers also require network processors to scale from the low end to these higher data rates. Scalability is critical. Developers want to use a single common architecture across multiple platforms of varying line rates. Maintaining software portability is also a critical concern so developers can preserve their large software investment. In summary, the four critical metrics developers require of a network processor are:

• Flexibility

• High Performance

• Scalability

• Software Portability

To address these requirements, Intel developed the IXP2XXX product line and the Intel IXA Software Portability Framework. Together, these are the Intel Internet Exchange Architecture (Intel IXA).

What is the Intel Internet Exchange Architecture?

The IXP2XXX product line of network processors and the Intel IXA Port- ability Framework are the two key components of the Intel IXA, as shown in Figure 1.1. For those...