Advantech Enhances Server Portfolio With Software Defined Networking From Netronome

First wave of Advantech systems ready for deployment as SDN middleboxes, SDN gateways and NFV appliances

Advantech recently introduced Software Defined Networking (SDN) to its line of x86-based Network Application Platforms and High Performance Carrier Grade Servers with Netronome NFE-3240 FlowNICs. Advantech’s High Performance Servers are highly configurable platforms designed to balance the best in x86 server-class processing performance with maximum I/O and offload density. Netronome’s PCIe FlowNICs provide 6x 1G or 2x 10G Ethernet connectivity to Openflow 1.3 controllers which enable Advantech’s Carrier Grade and Optimized I/O servers to be deployed at the intelligent edge of Software Defined Networks.

In today’s enterprise, telecom and data center infrastructure, the intelligent edge is comprised of standard servers that are responsible for hosting applications, network and security services while simultaneously directing traffic among virtual machines across a sophisticated overlay network. By offloading these networking functions to the Netronome programmable FlowNIC, Advantech servers solve the scalability challenges of virtual switching at the intelligent edge while offering more valuable x86 CPU cycles to run applications. This configuration makes Advantech systems well positioned for use as SDN middleboxes, SDN gateways and NFV appliances.

“The combination of Netronome’s Flow Processors and SDN software accelerates the network inside Advantech’s x86-based server platforms enabling customers to scale Open vSwitch instantiations to the highest data rates possible within a single server,” said Peter Marek, Senior Director x86 solutions, of Advantech Networks & Communications Group. “This solution offers the most efficient use of processing resources to developers of virtualized networking functions by minimizing the effects on latency, throughput and processing overhead”.

Netronome’s NFE-3240 FlowNICs support the Open Networking Foundation’s specification for Openflow 1.0 – 1.3, the widely recognized standard for SDN. “Netronome has always been heavily involved in the ONF standards organizations,” Jarrod Siket, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Netronome, said. “Seeing Openflow FlowNICs available in high performance and customizable COTS server from a leading provider like Advantech is strong validation that the technology is not just for research labs.”

Netronome software includes Linux and DPDK drivers for easy integration into x86 designs. Solution stacks are available for cyber security, network analytics and other Linux-based applications

Advantech is demonstrating Netronome’s NFE-3240 PCIe cards in its CGS-6000 High Performance Server and FWA-3210A network appliance in their booth at Interop, Las Vegas April 1-3, 2014. Highly optimized, next generation appliance and server designs which leverage Netronome’s NFP-6000 series of flow processors are under development for introduction later this year.

About Netronome
Netronome is the leading developer of high-performance networking solutions for cloud, data center, service provider and enterprise communications products. Netronome’s flow processing solutions increase the performance of virtualized servers by offloading compute-intensive workloads such as network virtualization, security, flow classification, content processing, deep packet inspection and dynamic load balancing. Netronome’s products are used by networking OEMs, ODMs worldwide and include FlowProcessors, FlowNICs and FlowKit software. Netronome’s processors are supported by comprehensive tools and a broad ecosystem of premier partners. Netronome’s products are developed in labs in Santa Clara, CA, Boxborough, MA and Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, visit www.netronome.com.

About Advantech
Founded in 1983, Advantech is a leader in providing trusted, innovative products, services, and solutions. Advantech offers comprehensive system integration, hardware, software, customer-centric design services, embedded systems, automation products, and global logistics support. Our mission is to enable an intelligent planet with embedded computing products and solutions that empower the development of smarter working and living. With Advantech, there’s no limit to the applications and innovations our products make possible.

For Telecom and Networking markets, Advantech provides mission-critical hardware to the leading telecom and networking equipment manufacturers. Advantech’s standard and customized products are embedded in OEM equipment that the world's communications infrastructure depends upon. For more information, visit www.advantech.com/NC