Intel Corp. Monday announced two new network processors for managing voice and data communications across DSL (Digital Subscriber Line).
Intel’s IXP225 DSL network processor uses both software and hardware to combine voice and data in DSL-based Internet access devices and gateways, according to a written statement from Intel, which also announced the IXP220 DSL network processor, similar to the 225 but for data-only equipment like entry-level bridges or routers. The processors are built on the Intel Exchange Architecture and are for service providers.
Intel offers the DSL network processors on reference platforms, which allow equipment designers to develop new applications without having to also develop underlying software and hardware, Intel said.
Both processors result from technology acquired from Intel’s purchase of Basis Communications Corp. earlier this year. Intel is trying to position itself for an expected boom in the market for low-cost VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone calls using DSL.
The processors and the IXP225 ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) Reference Platform will be available for sampling by the end of this year, Intel said. Samples of the company’s SHDSL (Symmetrical High-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line) reference platform will be ready in the first quarter of 2001. Production quantities of the reference platforms and network processors will be available in the first half of next year. List prices for the processors are US$25 for the IXP220 and $40 for the IXP225. The reference platform list price is $7,500.
Intel, in Santa Clara, Calif., can be reached at http://www.intel.com/.