The BCM15K is a new series of 16nm KBPs that integrates TCAM, SRAM, and algorithmic search technology to deliver exceptional levels of transmission, classification, and security for service provider routers and switches. Compared to previous-generation KBP products, the BCM15K provides internet search speeds of up to 7.2 billion searches per second (BSPS) and aggregate data throughput speeds of up to 1 terabyte per second (Tbps), representing improvements of 8x and 3x, respectively.
As internet traffic soon surpasses one zettabyte per year and bandwidth-intensive applications like cloud computing and video streaming continue to expand, next-generation networks will require more advanced routers and switches capable of handling terabyte bandwidths and performing lookup operations on billions of packets. To support these applications at these speeds, next-generation routers and switches must contain a specialized, high-performance KBP with Layer 2 to Layer 4 packet header processing capabilities, enabling service providers to deliver their services with guaranteed security and QoS (Quality of Service).
Features of the BCM15K
: • Up to 3x improvement in core processing for IPv6 traffic
• Up to 8 simultaneous packet lookups
• Up to 1 Tbps of I/O bandwidth based on Broadcom's 25G SerDes technology
• Support for client ASICs and vendor NPUs using multiple interface protocols
• 4x improvement in database routing and 8x improvement in ACLs
• Deterministic performance and low latency regardless of database or signature complexity
• 4x improvement in packet lookup performance per watt
• Up to 8x improvement in database capacity
“The demand for large transmissions and ACLs, driven by the ongoing transition from IPv4 to IPv6 in service provider networks, is fueling the need for more advanced KBPs,” said Bob Wheeler, principal analyst at The Linley Group. “In addition, the demand for deterministic packet processing throughput is driving the adoption of KBPs in service providers and hyperscale data centers.”
“As service providers upgrade their networks to terabyte speeds to meet the growing demand for increased bandwidth, multi-BSPS capacity KBPs with terabyte throughput will become increasingly essential in router and switch systems, complementing vendor network ASICs and NPUs,” said Ed Redmond, senior vice president and managing director of Broadcom’s Compute and Connectivity division. “Our new 16nm KBP delivers the highest levels of performance and capacity and is fully optimized for both next-generation service provider networks and emerging applications such as hyperscale data centers and network security appliances.”
