Powered by QorIQ multicore processors, Freescale’s network services switching platform extends intelligence, agility and security to the network’s edge for the secure Internet of Tomorrow

AUSTIN, Texas — (BUSINESS WIRE) — April 21, 2015 — To help enterprises, network operators and their OEM suppliers fully leverage the advantages of the world’s increasingly virtualized networks, Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE: FSL) today introduced an innovative network services switching platform which combines the performance and efficiency of a traditional network switch with the manageability, flexibility and security required for the software-defined networking (SDN) era.

Developed in conjunction with leading ODM Advantech and delivered as a white box solution, Freescale’s new platform leverages Freescale’s 24-core, server-class QorIQ T4240 processor and VortiQa Open Network software. The platform utilizes standards-based protocols such as OpenFlow, and supports manageability through open technologies such as OpenStack and OpenDaylight. It also enables exceptional network security for virtualized environments by supporting the integration of high performance packet processing functions such as firewalling, intrusion detection and IPSEC over VxLAN.

“In recent years, the world’s networks have undergone a dramatic transformation. Enterprises, network carriers and their equipment suppliers need a new generation of switching technology for this new era,” said Sam Fuller, head of Strategy and Solutions for Freescale’s Digital Networking group. “Freescale’s intelligent switching platform helps OEMs and their customers unleash the full value of SDN, while saving power and cost by eliminating the need for additional appliances commonly required in traditional switching implementations.”

Infonetics Research expects the market for global carrier SDN and NFV hardware and software to grow from less than $500 million in 2013 to over $11 billion in 2018.

“The Freescale network services switching platform further expands Advantech’s switching product portfolio for equipment manufacturers, integrators and service providers.” said John Muller, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Advantech Networks and Communications group. “When combined with VortiQa Open Network switch software, Enterprise IT and cloud service providers will be able to drive greater flexibility and efficiency into their software defined infrastructure to support the increasing demand for new and innovative services.”

Freescale’s platform couples Freescale QorIQ processors with standard switch ASIC devices, providing a flexible and compact solution that delivers ultra-high performance. With a Linux OS, ODP datapath API, VMM acceleration and efficient implementation of programmable datapath, the new platform improves portability and agility for a more flexible network. It also includes VNF support, commercial grade VortiQa SDN software supporting OpenFlow version 1.3 with extensions for Layer 4 and above protocols, and Layer 2/3 forwarding.

The high-performance QorIQ T4240 processor supports advanced capabilities to help keep the Internet of Tomorrow secure, including trusted ONIE secure boot mechanisms, firewalling, IPsec over VXLAN or alternative interconnect, and packet inspection/analytics functionalities.

Availability

The Freescale platform will be available from Advantech as a commercial grade product that can be customized to meet specific customer requirements in various deployment scenarios. Advantech will be offering first line hardware and software support and services on the platform to facilitate customer designs, reduce development cycles and accelerate time-to-market. The platform will be shipping to lead customers in 2H15 with initial support for IPSec VPN, Policy Based Routing and L2/L3 Ethernet Switching. Further information can be obtained from ncg@advantech.com.

Visit Freescale at Interop 2015

Freescale will exhibit at Interop 2015 in Booth 1127, where the company will demonstrate the new network services switching platform and other advanced technologies for the world’s increasingly virtualized networks.

About Freescale Semiconductor

Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE: FSL) enables secure, embedded processing solutions for the Internet of Tomorrow. Freescale’s solutions drive a more innovative and connected world, simplifying our lives and making us safer. While serving the world’s largest companies, Freescale is also committed to supporting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, enabling the next generation of innovators. www.freescale.com.

About the Freescale Technology Forum

For ten years, the Freescale Technology Forum (FTF) has driven innovation and collaboration by featuring one of the most comprehensive embedded ecosystems in the industry. FTF provides the training and expertise customers need to create and enable the secure, embedded solutions needed for the Internet of Things—today and tomorrow. FTF features four days of in-depth training, hands-on workshops, demonstrations from Freescale and ecosystem partners and exceptional opportunities to collaborate with industry peers and visionaries. The forum has been enthusiastically received by the global developer community, drawing more than 67,500 attendees worldwide since its inception in 2005. FTF takes place June 22-25, 2015, in Austin, Texas.

Freescale, the Freescale logo, QorIQ, and VortiQa are trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © 2015 Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.