Ethernity Networks (AIM: ENET.L), a supplier of data processing offload solutions on programmable hardware for accelerating telco/cloud networks, has introduced its ENET-D (PDF download), an add-on Ethernet Controller technology to its ACE-NIC100 SmartNIC. It would efficiently process millions of data flows and offer performance acceleration for networking and security appliances.
ENET-D is an Ethernet adapter and DMA (direct memory access) engine that would eliminate the need for proprietary hardware on a network interface card. By fitting into various FPGAs and enabling customers to further avoid ASIC-based components, ENET-D advances complete disaggregation at the edge of the network.
This disaggregation would add flexibility to the network and save operators significantly on operating expenses such as power consumption and physical space on the NIC. Moreover, because ENET-D is implemented on fully programmable FPGA hardware, it would eliminate the need to replace monolithic ASIC-based hardware with upgrades or new devices that include a broader feature set. According to Ethernity Networks, replacing field-deployed hardware to support new functionality can cost up to five times the initial cost of the hardware itself.
5G Networks
ENET-D can be combined with Ethernity’s ENET Flow Processor and run on Ethernity’s ACE-NIC100 FPGA SmartNIC to deliver a complete Router-on-a-NIC with integrated Ethernet controller. It is capable of connecting to multiple virtual machines, containers, or virtual networking functions.
“ENET-D is an important step toward supporting our current and future customers that are demanding further disaggregation of their 5G networks,” said David Levi, CEO of Ethernity Networks. “This is an exciting technological development for our company in that we can now offer operators a complete Ethernet controller within the FPGA on our SmartNIC. This will significantly reduce their operating costs and eliminate ASIC vendor lock-in for the emerging edge compute market.”
