Cary, NC — (press release excerpt) — LVL7 Systems today announced the third generation of the its portable software for network processors and ASIC/ASSPs, which supports development of high function networking products that are scalable from 10/100/1000 Mbps to over 10Gbps. FASTPATH 3.0 is now available to support Linux.

Notable features of FASTPATH 3.0 include:

• The introduction of LVL7's new MasterDriver, providing Hardware API's that allow customers to easily port FASTPATH 3.0 to ANY networking silicon. This takes the concept of silicon independence to new levels, allowing customers to adopt next generation technologies with a single software source. The MasterDriver extends the work LVL7 has already done to integrate its software with leading networking IC's from AMCC, Intel, Marvell, SwitchCore and Vitesse.
• The addition of advanced services incorporating Quality of Service (QoS), Multicast and BGP-4 software suites allow equipment vendors to readily support emerging technology services such as video on demand and bandwidth provisioning.
• The breadth of applications and protocols available in FASTPATH 3.0 make it the most comprehensive and functional software offering on the market. By delivering a system architecture including software from low-level device drivers to Layer 2 Switching / Layer 3 Routing / Layer 4+ applications and protocols in a single, turnkey package, FASTPATH 3.0 simplifies the software challenges associated with network equipment development and eliminates the need to integrate multiple shrink-wrap protocols

Initial product solutions include:

• Desktop Gigabit Ethernet switches
• Gigabit line cards
• Layer 2 / Layer 3 Switch-Routers
• Broadband access devices with enhanced Bandwidth Provisioning capabilities
• Networking appliances that integrate Layer 4+ applications, such as wireless (for access points and base stations) and security (VPN) technologies

Dell'Oro Group, an analyst firm based in Redwood City, California, predicts the number of Gigabit ports will grow from 9.8 million in 2002 to 17.07 million, or nearly double in 2003, and will reach 44.3 million ports by 2005. The total Ethernet port shipment is expected to increase to 252.2 million ports by 2005.

 
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