March 18, 2014, Irvine, CA – Advantech today announced a pioneering high performance network application platform designed for maximum packet processing throughput using a unique method to balance network traffic from eight PCIe Gen 3 Network Mezzanine Cards (NMC) across four Intel® Xeon® processors. The FWA-6512 platform is fully compatible with the Intel® Xeon® processor E5-4600 v2 product family, a die-shrink of the microarchitecture built on Intel’s advanced 22nm Tri-gate manufacturing process. It offers the ideal performance, scalability, memory flexibility and network capacity for managing the most demanding packet processing workloads in a compact 2U form factor.
Innovative internal architecture
The FWA-6512 has a groundbreaking internal architecture based on a specialized motherboard design which considerably improves cooling, installation and serviceability when compared with other quad socket platforms. The unique motherboard design provides better thermal performance by uncoupling the thermal influence between CPUs. At the same time, it yields full PCIe Gen 3 connectivity to each socket without compromising signal integrity and cost. The advanced system design not only reduces acoustic noise by using lower fan speeds but also yields better MTBF. Further reliability has been built in to the system beyond Intel platform RASUM features through carrier grade IPMI and BIOS features including but not limited to redundant BIOS, remote BIOS and IPMI fail safe firmware upgrades via HPM.1.
Designed for deployment in carrier and data center environments
The platform is a compact, leading edge 2U enclosure with a highly reliable thermal design and scalable modular architecture for the ultimate I/O configurability. 32 PCIe Gen 3 lanes per CPU socket are routed to the NMCs offering 8 Gbps per lane for maximum I/O throughput. A broad portfolio of front-loading, field replaceable NMCs are available which offer a mix of 1, 10 and 40GE port counts for up to 320 Gbps I/O connectivity and come with a range of standard and advanced LAN bypass options vital to many business-critical applications. In addition, up to four PCIe x16 Gen 3 low-profile adaptors can be installed internally for acceleration, co-processing and offload requirements. These include adaptors based on the Intel® Communications Chipset 8955 with Intel® QuickAssist Technology.
For handling large workloads, 32 DIMMs (8 per CPU socket) enable increased memory density for configurations up to 1TB RAM using 32GB LRDIMMs offering greater flexibility and granularity to network equipment providers. Two hot-swappable SATA disks or SSDs (2.5”) can be mounted at the front of the system.
For operation and management needs, the FWA-6512 provides a comprehensive set of front panel features including 2 x RJ45 GbE Mgmt ports, 1 x RJ45 console, 1 x USB, 1 x power button, 3 x status LED (power LED, status LED, alert LED). The platform is available with a choice of redundant 1400W AC and 1500W DC power supplies for deployment in carrier and data center environments. Overall, the FWA-6512’s ultra-dense design incorporates the ultimate performance, availability, flexibility and expandability available on a network application platform in a 2U form factor. In addition the design, it allows for more flexibility when the system or I/O needs to be customized for specific ODM requirements.
For more information please email ECGinfo@advantech.com or visit www.advantech.com/nc.
About Advantech – Founded in 1983, Advantech is a leader in providing trusted, innovative products, services, and solutions. Advantech offers comprehensive system integration, hardware, software, customer-centric design services, embedded systems, automation products, and global logistics support. Our mission is to enable an intelligent planet with embedded computing products and solutions that empower the development of smarter working and living. With Advantech, there’s no limit to the applications and innovations our products make possible. For Telecom and Networking markets, Advantech provides mission-critical hardware to the leading telecom and networking equipment manufacturers. Advantech’s standard and customized products are embedded in OEM equipment that the world’s communications infrastructure depends upon. Website: www.advantech.com/NC
Intel and Xeon are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.
