[September 1, 1999]

Intel Unveils New Internet Communications Architecture

Intel announced a new network processor and a comprehensive family of silicon-based products to help enable the networking and communications industry build faster, more intelligent networks. Mark Christensen, vice president and general manager of Intel's Network Communications Group, made the announcement at the Intel Developer Forum.

The company said it would base its line of communications silicon products on the new Intel Internet Exchange (IX) Architecture which uses an open standards-based design allowing systems designers to add network functionality quickly and cost effectively. Intel also announced it has established a $200 million Communications Fund that would initially be used to invest in companies developing IX Architecture-based systems and software.

"The explosive growth of the Internet and e-business requires faster deployment of high-bandwidth equipment and greater flexibility to support emerging Internet technologies and new services within the network," said Christensen. "IX Architecture will help customers deliver faster and smarter networks on Internet time."

Intel's strategy to deliver communications silicon to a wide range of telecommunications and networking companies combines the strength of Intel's core technologies with the company's recent acquisitions of Level One Communications, Softcom Microsystems and Digital Semiconductor.

Several companies announced support for the IX Architecture or specific products that incorporate IX Architecture elements including: Broadband Access Systems; Cabletron; CAG; Cisco; Newbridge Networks; and Omneon Video Networks. Third-party developers that have announced support for the IXA include: Hi/fn; Harris & Jeffries; Inter-Niche; Trillium, T.Sqware, Inc.; and Wind River Systems.

The Internet Exchange Architecture is Intel's new approach for designing networking and telecommunications equipment based on reprogrammable silicon and open interfaces. IX Architecture provides a new level of integration, performance and programmability to network system original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). OEMs can use IX Architecture to design systems without encountering the costs, risks and time penalties typically associated with ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) design efforts.

IX Architecture-based systems can be deployed more quickly and easily upgraded. As a result, developers can speed time to market and take advantage of new technologies in such areas as security, reliability, policy-based management, and "quality of service" for delivering real-time voice and video over the Internet.

As part of IX Architecture, Intel is introducing a developer's tool kit to help facilitate product design and enable equipment suppliers to provide post-sale product enhancements to their customers. New capabilities such as wire-speed voice, video and data services can be added to existing equipment simply by reprogramming the network processor, which allows suppliers to extend the life and value of their designs.

Level One Communications, Inc., recently acquired by Intel, introduced a portfolio of silicon components as part of this announcement. The flagship component is the Level One IXP1200 network processor, a reprogrammable network engine comprised of a StrongARM processor core and six programmable RISC packet processing micro engines (or micro controllers) that deliver approximately 1000 MIPs of useable wire speed performance per processor.

The IXP1200 network processor is designed to deliver the performance and flexibility needed by a new generation of routers, switches and access concentrators for Internet service providers and enterprise customers. Programming instructions can be used to add new features to networking products, thereby extending the life of systems. The IXP1200 enables a fundamental shift in networking and communications system design, which has typically relied on a 12 to 18 month development cycle for custom ASICs.

Level One also introduced an extensive range of supporting components for the IXP1200 network processor including a family of scalable switching and formatting engines and physical layer devices. In all, Level One announced 13 different components that can be used to develop network devices for local and wide area networks (LAN and WAN) as well as Internet-based networks.

"The Internet is causing companies to reassess the role the network plays in their businesses," says Dr. Robert Pepper, vice president, Network Communications Group, and general manager, Level One Communications, Inc. "With the advent of e-business and the Internet economy, companies need networks that can evolve as their businesses evolve. Our IX Architecture portfolio with the IXP1200 network processor delivers that flexibility."

The Intel Communications Fund will be used to invest in companies developing networking and communications products that support key Intel voice and data communications programs. The first initial focus of the $200 million fund will be companies developing products that are based on IX Architecture including basic communications components, real-time operating systems, software tools, protocol stacks and other communications building blocks.

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