X-bit labs

AMD Unveils Security Network Processor.

Category: Other

by Anton Shilov

[ 02/24/2004 | 08:35 PM ]

AMD today announced the AMD Alchemy Au1550 security network processor, designed for customers to address the critical need for security in wired and wireless applications.

The Alchemy Au1550 processor accelerates networking and remote access applications such as gateways and network attached storage (NAS) units, wireless access points and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) environments. Enhancing the high-performance, low-power and high-integration functionality of the AMD Alchemy Au1500™ processor, the Au1550 processor enables customers to integrate leading-edge security functionality provided through SafeNet, a leader in private and public network security solutions that set the standard for VPN technology and secure business communications.

This newest product in the AMD Alchemy Solutions product line features an integrated Security Engine which implements the entire VPN packet protocol in hardware, thereby off-loading the CPU from performing these tasks in software. By accelerating the complete IPsec packet-processing task in hardware, the Au1550 processor can significantly improve security performance relative to other network processors, which implement only selected encryption and hashing functions. The processor supports both IPsec and SSL types of VPN protocols and includes a True Random Number Generator (RNG). Additionally, the Au1550 processor is capable of sustaining unlimited VPN tunnels simultaneously. These features are made possible with intellectual property technology licensed from SafeNet called SafeXcel IP, allowing AMD to deliver proven security capabilities for networking devices. These security features address the needs of enterprise customers designing networked environments that need a flexible security platform and demand a high-performance, low-power processor at a lower system cost.

Operating at half a watt, the Au1550 security network processor provides flexible network security and performance at remarkably low power. The Au1550 processor is available in speeds of 333MHz, 400 MHz and 500 MHz.

In 10000 unit quantities, the Au1550 security network processor is priced at $21.26, $26.57 and $33.75 for 333 MHz, 400MHz, and 500MHz versions respectively. The Au1550 processor is currently sampling and is expected to be available in production quantities in the second quarter of 2004.