Xelerated samples programmable Ethernet switches for high-speed unified fiber access and mobile backhaul

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN: Xelerated is sampling its AX family of programmable Ethernet switches. Based on Xelerated’s unique and wirespeed dataflow architecture, the AX family allows system vendors to unify switching and packet processing for fixed FTTx and mobile broadband access solutions.

The AX switches cater to a new generation of high-density, high-capacity access systems, including point-to-point Ethernet, GE and 10GE, as well as point-to-multipoint EPON, GPON, 10GEPON and XGPON. Its inherent programmability enables vendor customization and in-field feature enhancements – extending product lifetimes and increasing ROI.

The AX family integrates Ethernet MAC, switching, programmable packet processing and traffic management into a single chip. With high feature flexibility, the AX family enables unified processing of subscriber sessions and OAM functions – key components of a carrier grade data plane.

System vendors can now build fiber access line cards and pizza boxes supporting advanced broadband services at 50-88 Gbps duplex using a single chip. In addition, the AX family supports Synchronous Ethernet and Packet Time Protocol (PTP-2008) for distribution of synchronization services. Required in Packet Transport Network (PTN) and mobile backhaul networks, this makes the AX family ideal for both mobile and fixed FTTx access solutions.

“The next-generation fiber access market is continuing to evolve at a rapid pace,” said Jag Bolaria, Senior Analyst at The Linley Group. “To stay ahead of the curve, system vendors are looking for ways to differentiate their offerings while providing cost-effective and scalable subscriber session processing. Xelerated is addressing this core need with the sampling of its AX devices.”

“The AX programmable Ethernet switches brings new business opportunities to the competitive access market,” said Johan Sandell, VP and Head of Product Management at Xelerated. “Instead of designing with fixed-function switch ASICs that becomes outdated, our customers can now upgrade over time – extending the lifetime of their access systems at a significantly reduced cost.”

To provide faster time to market, Xelerated is also releasing a range of software, development tools and a hardware reference design kit (RDK). A full-featured data plane software designed specifically for the Unified Fiber Access market will also be available to reduce development time for FTTx system vendors.

Now, system vendors can easily leverage investments in line card designs and data plane software between different platforms, as the AX switches share technology with Xelerated’s HX family of network processor units.