Airspan (News - Alert) Networks has upgraded its 4G LTE base stations to NetLogic Microsystems’ XLP316L multi-core network processors. The XLP multi-core, multi-threaded processors were chosen to power and boost the performance for its next-generation Air4G family of 4G LTE (News - Alert) base stations.

Airspan Networks provides broadband wireless access networks, and NetLogic Microsystems, Inc., specializes in high-performance intelligent semiconductor solutions for next-generation Internet networks.

The companies have noted a dramatic increase in performance requirements for base station processors due to the global deployment of LTE mobile services. This has been addressed by NetLogic Microsystems’ (News - Alert) innovative XLP316L network processor.

A combination of the XLP processor core featuring quad-issue, quad-threading and superscalar out-of-order execution with a high-performance floating point unit and a low latency tri-level cache architecture can successfully deliver significant data plane and control plane performance, say the companies.

“We are pleased to have selected NetLogic Microsystems for our Air4G family of LTE eNodeB products to achieve higher throughput, higher capacity and better use of the spectrum,” said Uzi Shalev, chief operating officer at Airspan Networks (News - Alert). “Because of its breakthrough architecture and advanced 40nm technology, NetLogic Microsystems’ best-in-class XLP multi-core, multi-threaded processor delivers unmatched LTE control and data plane performance in a variety of 4G environments. We have consistently observed dramatic performance gains for the XLP processor across a wide range of our LTE and LTE-A benchmarks.”

“We congratulate Airspan on upgrading their innovative Air4G base stations with higher performance and functionality while reducing the power profile to address next-generation 4G LTE network requirements,” said Chris O’Reilly, vice president of marketing at NetLogic Microsystems. “Airspan is clearly pushing the envelope on technical excellence by taking full advantage of our quad-issue, quad-threaded and superscalar out-of-order processor architecture to complement Airspan’s strong systems and software technologies.”