Lanner announced a 1U network appliance that supports Intel's “second-generation” Core processors (“Sandy Bridge”) and the Intel Q67 Express chipset. The FW-8770 is equipped with eight gigabit Ethernet ports, plus eight more via an optional module — “amazing port density for a 1U appliance,” according to the company.

The Lanner FW-8770 is the first complete system we've seen to build upon Intel's new Sandy Bridge processors, although we're certain to see many more in the coming weeks. We've already covered Sandy Bridge COM Express modules from Eurotech, Kontron, and RadiSys, as well as a Mini-ITX board from Ibase.

Lanner FW-8770
(Click to enlarge)

The "second generation" Core processors include a new microarchitecture, a 256-bit instruction set known as AVX (advanced vector extensions), enhanced GPUs (graphics processing units), and dedicated silicon for tasks such as transcoding video from one format to another. Yet, it is the processor's next-generation Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology which Lanner finds most significant for network appliances. It's said to offer "a significant boost in performance by dynamically scaling frequencies; all while reducing power consumption."

The FW-8770 offers an LGA1155 socket, says Lanner, compatible with the dual-core Intel Core i3-2120 processor at 65 watts and the quad-core Intel Core i7-2600 and Core i5-2400 at 95 watts, says Lanner. The device employs Intel's Q57 Express chipset — touted for allowing ""quicker packet throughput while using less energy" — and supports up to 16GB of 1333MHz DDR3 memory.

Four of the FW-8770's eight onboard gigabit Ethernet ports support "Generation 3" bypass capability, which can pass network signals even when the platform is being powered on, says Lanner. In addition, customers can add eight more gigabit ports via a tray that supports the company's optional Lanner 8800 Series Modules. These offers a potential total of 16 gigabit ports.

The appliance is equipped with SATA connections and room for a 3.5-inch hard disk drive or dual 2.5-inch drives, says the company. A CompactFlash slot and PCI Express (PCIe) expansion are also said to be available. Other features include dual USB 2.0 ports and a console port, says Lanner.

Features and specifications listed for the Lanner FW-8770 include:

• Processor — LGA1155 package for dual-core 2nd Gen Core Intel Core i3-2120, Intel Core i7-2600, or quad-core Core i5-240
• Chipset — Intel Q67xpress
• Memory — up to 16GB non-ECC DDR3 1333MHz SDRAM via 4 x DIMMs
• Flash expansion — 1 x CompactFlash (Type II)
• Storage — 1 x 3.5-inch or 2 x 2.5-inch SATA bays
• Expansion — 1 x PCIe (x8) or optional 2 x PCIe (x4)
• Networking:
  • 8 x gigabit Ethernet ports (4 x with Gen3 bypass)
  • 8 x more ports via tray for Lanner 8800 Series Modules
  • Intel 82574L controller
  • IPMI support
  • 1 x RJ45 console port
• USB — 2 x USB 2.0 ports
• Other features — watchdog timer; RTC; 3 x fans; LCD module; reset button; optional VPN accelerator
• Operating temperature — 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C)
• Dimensions — 17.3 x 15.6 x 1.7 inches (440 x 396 x 44mm); 1U 19-inch
• Weight — 24.3 lbs (11 k)
• Power — 150W / 180W / 220W or 270W (TBD)
• Operating system — Linux; Windows

Availability

No pricing or availability information was provided for the FW-8770. More technical information may be found at Lanner's FW-8770 page.

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