Basis Communications Delivers First Open-System DSL Network Processor Platform Integrating Silicon and Networking Software.FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 21, 1999--Unique DSL DSL in full Digital Subscriber Line Broadband digital communications connection that operates over standard copper telephone wires. It requires a DSL modem, which splits transmissions into two frequency bands: the lower frequencies for voice (ordinary Network Processor Platform Combines High-Integration Silicon With DSL Service Protocol Stacks and Real-Time OS in One Product Basis Communications today announced a DSL Network Processor platform targeted at Customer Premise Equipment (CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) Communications equipment that resides on the customer's premises. CPE - Customer Premises Equipment ) such as DSL modems, routers or bridges for high-speed Internet access. For the first time, a completely integrated product is available that includes: a DSL Network Processor chip (BC6911) with an embedded ARM RISC RISC in full Reduced Instruction Set Computing Computer architecture that uses a limited number of instructions. RISC became popular in microprocessors in the 1980s. core and ATM SAR (Segmentation And Reassembly) The protocol that converts data to cells for transmission over an ATM network. It is the lower part of the ATM Adaption Layer (AAL), which is responsible for the entire operation. See AAL. SAR - segmentation and reassembly processor; networking protocol stacks for DSL service provisioning; an industry-standard real time operating system A master control program that can provide immediate response to input signals and transactions. See real time system and embedded Linux. ; and an open API to add such IP-based applications as NAT, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Software that automatically assigns temporary IP addresses to client stations logging into an IP network. It eliminates having to manually assign permanent "static" IP addresses. DHCP software runs in servers and routers. , and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) A widely used network monitoring and control protocol. Data are passed from SNMP agents, which are hardware and/or software processes reporting activity in each network device (hub, router, bridge, etc. . "The DSL Network Processor platform is the first of Service-Specific Network Processor(TM) platforms in our roadmap targeting the convergence of voice, video and data over broadband WAN services," said Nabil Damouny, vice president of marketing, Basis Communications. "The DSL Network Processor platform provides a solid foundation for next generation WANs featuring value-added IP-based applications such as Voice over IP and Virtual Private Networks." According to IDC research analyst, Kimberly Funasaki, "In conjunction with DSL as the physical layer technology, network service providers have recognized the importance of ATM's role as a Layer 2 protocol in offering support of multiple services as well as management of Quality of Service. The market for ADSL See DSL. ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line CPE modem chipsets alone is expected to have a 133% compound annual growth rate from 1999-2002." Today, various flavors of DSL services such as G.Lite, full-rate ADSL, IDSL See DSL. , and HDSL See DSL. HDSL - High bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line 2 are deployed as a Layer 1 foundation for high-speed Internet access. Network Service Providers use PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) The most popular method for transporting IP packets over a serial link between the user and the ISP. Developed in 1994 by the IETF and superseding the SLIP protocol, PPP establishes the session between the user's computer and the ISP using over ATM protocol to effectively support diverse content -- data, voice, and video -- and management of Quality of Service (QoS). "The DSL Network Processor platform offers the comprehensive software and silicon necessary to implement PPP over ATM provisioning on top of a myriad of Layer 1 technologies," stated Ashis Khan, Basis Communications' marketing director. "Basis is continuing to establish close relationships with DSL Layer 1 technology providers, and recently announced a partnership with Alcatel Microelectronics," Khan said. -0-
The DSL Network Processor platform combines:
-- The DSL Network Processor chip which integrates an ATM
Segmentation and Reassembly (SAR) processor, ARM(R) RISC core,
CRC generator and checker, hash table for VPI/VCI lookup, PCI bus
controller, Utopia interface, and a set of I/O peripherals.
-- DSL service protocol stacks (RFC 2364 PPP over AAL-5
encapsulation, RFC 2225 Classical IP and ARP over ATM, RFC 1483
multi-protocol encapsulation over AAL-5).
-- An industry-standard real-time-operating system and development
environment (WindRiver's VxWorks(R)).
-0- The product also includes TCP/IP stacks and a well-defined API to add IP applications, such as address management and network management. Budgetary pricing for the DSL Network Processor platform is US$45 in quantities of 1,000. Product availability is scheduled for Q3, 1999. Basis Communications, headquartered in Fremont, is a provider of Service-Specific Network Processor platforms combining networking silicon and software for the convergence of voice and data over wide area Internet-centric networks. As a spin-off from Cirrus Logic, Basis Communications maintains and supports an existing Wide Area Networking (WAN) product base, and has a roadmap to develop standards-based open-system networking platforms targeting the broadband WAN services market. Additional information about Basis Communications is available at www.basiscomm.com. Note to Editors: ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. VxWorks is a registered trademark of WindRiver Systems. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders. |
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