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Zarlink Introduces ClassSwitch Ethernet Platform Targeting IP
Video Distribution and Network Security
OTTAWA, CANADA, January 11, 2006 – Zarlink Semiconductor
(NYSE/TSX:ZL) today introduced the first two devices in its new Class
Switch platform of single-chip, full-service Layer 2 Ethernet switches
designed for network access equipment supporting packet-based
applications, such as IPTV (Internet Protocol television).
Zarlink’s ClassSwitch platform supports the cost-effective
design of line cards or compact systems deployed in Central Offices,
Cable Head-Ends or Customer Premises Equipment that must aggregate,
inspect and modify multiple real-time applications delivered over Fast
and Gigabit Ethernet. The devices enable IP multicast packet-forwarding
service distribution, a key element in the delivery of IP video in the
first mile.
The platform includes the ZL™33042 with 24 FE (Fast Ethernet) + 2 GE
(Gigabit Ethernet) port configurations and the ZL33046 Ethernet switch
delivering 16 FE + 2 GE port configurations. Future devices will
incorporate lower and higher data throughput and optional port count
configurations.
“With the demand for IP video applications over packet networks and
escalating security threats, operators must guarantee proper handling of
IP multicast traffic while ensuring policy off-load and content
protection,” said Mauricio Peres, product line director, Packet
Switching, Zarlink Semiconductor. “Our carrier-grade ClassSwitch
platform integrates advanced packet identification and user flow
policing, metering and filtering to support effective IP policy
provisioning, allowing network operators to efficiently deliver advanced
applications.”
Growing demand for real-time packet services, including television over
broadband, requires network access equipment that more efficiently
analyzes and manages network traffic. Pacific Crest estimates the IPTV
market will grow from 3 million subscribers today to over 25 million in
2008, and 75 million in 2010.
In response, carriers are evolving their networks to better support
triple play voice, video and data services. According to In-Stat Market
Research, IP/Ethernet DSLAM (digital subscriber line access multiplexer)
ports will account for 75% of worldwide DSLAM ports by 2009. Infonetics
Research forecasts a 310% growth in PON (passive optical network)
equipment by 2008, with equipment sales hitting US$2.2 billion.
Identifying end-user packet flows
As IP applications and web-based services dominate network traffic,
access equipment must be able to efficiently identify and handle an
increasing number of IP-based “user packet flow” types. For example,
IPTV, VoIP, video-on-demand, and control and signaling messages are
distinct flows that must be uniquely managed.
Zarlink’s ClassSwitch platform provides high intelligence
for aggregation equipment, while lowering equipment design costs by
integrating multiple features on a single chip. Packets entering the
devices are classified to a flow based on user-defined rules, using
information such as frame source and destination address or applications
using L2 (Layer 2) to L7 (Layer 7) fields of incoming packets. Up to
1,024 distinct flows can be created per device. The architecture
supports per-flow two-rate, three-color metering and policing.
Scheduling algorithms, such as SP (strict priority) and WFQ (weighted
fair queuing), manage packets and prioritize queued traffic.
Additional traffic flow classification features allow operators to
better manage service level agreements and access control. With multiple
classification fields, network operators can precisely monitor network
traffic, ensure packets are forwarded to specific ports, specify
transmission and dropping priorities, and maintain secure connections
for their customers.
Hardware-based security features
Zarlink’s Ethernet switches integrate a hardware-based DoS (denial of
service) attack-flow engine to protect against viruses and malicious
attacks. This attack prevention engine ensures uninterrupted services
while preventing the loss of information or revenue that can result from
network disruptions.
The ClassSwitch family’s built-in “packet identifier”
micro-engine pre-filters L2 to L7 packet fields can be used to match
suspicious traffic types. If user programmable patterns are recognized,
the devices forward suspicious packets to off-the-shelf Deep Content
Analysis processors for further analysis. Zarlink classifier switches
can be programmed to accept or deny service based on the information
used for classification.
Advanced switch design
Zarlink’s Ethernet switches include up to 24 MACs (media access
controllers) for 10/100 Mbps and two GMACs (Gigabit MACs) for
10/100/1000 Mbps. All MACs and GMACs support copper (twisted wire) or
fiber physical interfaces. In its core, the device family provides
multi-field traffic classification of L2 and L7 fields, IP Multicast and
Unicast bandwidth distribution, and a traffic queuing engine.
Fair management of traffic is maintained at all times through an
advanced WFQ scheduling algorithm, flexible packet buffer and queue
management, and a WRED (weighted random early detect) algorithm. To
simplify equipment design, the platform’s parametric programmability
allows efficient and flexible system development without requiring
additional programming for network processor implementations.
Programmable prioritized filtering and forwarding allows hardware-based
per-flow accounting, allowing processor resources to be dedicated to
more important tasks. The ToS (type of service), priority or DSCP
(differentiated service code points) bits can be re-tagged based on the
traffic classification allowing DiffServ implementations at wire-speed.
New service level agreements based on Ethernet type, VLAN ID, 802.1p
priority Type of Service (ToS, DSCP), L2/L3 and subnet addresses, L4
port numbers and others are immediately possible at wire-speed.
Support and availability
Zarlink’s ClassSwitch family is supported by a field-proven
software platform. The switches incorporate device driver software
offering an easy-to-use API supporting advanced access control, and
various protocol modules including IGMPv3 for IP video applications.
The ZL33042 and ZL33046 Ethernet switches, available now, are priced at US$68.00 and US$60.00 respectively in quantities of 5,000 units. Evaluation boards with various plug-in modules for 100/1000 Ethernet transceivers as well as CPUs based on PowerPC, ARM and MIPS will be available soon.
For more, visit http://products.zarlink.com/product_profiles/ZL33042.htm or http://products.zarlink.com/product_profiles/ZL33046.htm and http://packetswitching.zarlink.com/.
Request Ethernet switching information
Full product information, including full data sheets and design manuals,
is available only to qualified customers. To learn how to become a
qualified customer, please send an email to PacketSwitching@Zarlink.com. Alternatively, please contact your local
sales representative.
About Zarlink Semiconductor
For over 30 years, Zarlink Semiconductor has delivered semiconductor
solutions that drive the capabilities of voice, enterprise, broadband
and wireless communications. The Company’s success is built on its
technology strengths including voice and data networks, optoelectronics
and ultra low-power communications. For more information, visit
www.zarlink.com.
Shareholders and other individuals wishing to receive, free of charge,
copies of the reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission and Regulatory Authorities, should visit the Company’s web
site at www.zarlink.com or contact
investor relations.
Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the
actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from any future results, performance, or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, among others, the
following: rapid technological developments and changes; our ability to
achieve profitability and generate positive cash flows in the future;
our exposure to product warranty claims resulting from product defects
or failures; our dependence on our foundry suppliers and third-party
subcontractors; increasing price and product competition; our exposure
to currency exchange rate fluctuations and other factors inherent in our
international operations; and other factors referenced in our Annual
Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 25, 2005. Investors
are encouraged to consider the risks detailed in this filing.
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Zarlink, ZL and the Zarlink Semiconductor logo are trademarks of Zarlink
Semiconductor Inc.
North America
Ed Goffin
Media Relations
(613) 270-7112
edward.goffin@zarlink.com
Asia-Pacific
Karen Li
The Hoffman Agency – China
86-10-6507-0985
kli@hoffman.com.cn
Europe
Simon Krelle
Pinnacle Marketing Communications
44 (0)
7973 821036
simonk@pinnaclemarcom.com
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