Switched networking is rapidly becoming the topology of choice for local-area networks (LANs). In fact, according to networking market analyst Tam Dell'Oro of the Dell'Oro Group, market growth for switches is expected to more than triple in 1996, with sales reaching about $5 billion.
Unlike traditional shared networking topologies, in which connected nodes contend for network bandwidth, switching provides full line speed for all connections. When two switched nodes are communicating, they are connected with a dedicated channel between them, so that there is no contention for network bandwidth with other nodes. As a result, switching goes a long way toward solving problems of network congestion.
To keep pace with the rapid evolution of switching technology, integrated circuit (IC) solutions for switches must meet several fundamental requirements. First, they must help simplify the migration from shared to switched networks by integrating a variety of separate functions, allowing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to offer switching products with lower per port prices for end users. Second, switching ICs must ease equipment upgrades from traditional standards, such as 10 megabit per second (Mbps) 10Base-T Ethernet, to high-speed standards, such as 100-Mbps 100Base-T and 100VG-AnyLAN Ethernet. Finally, IC solutions for switches must provide freedom of choice in the coexistence of traditional and high-speed connections. OEMs, management information systems (MIS) managers and end users all require flexibility in adapting their equipment and networks quickly to meet changing application needs.
TI's new ThunderSWITCH architecture leverages TI's existing networking IC designs to provide a versatile solution for switched Ethernet. ThunderSWITCH integrates into a single IC many of the components used in current switch designs, saving board space and offering the potential to significantly reduce component costs. In addition, fully integrated media and network control functions help simplify design for OEMs so that they can bring their products to market faster.
Fully integrated media access controllers (MACs) and media-independent interfaces (MIIs) for multiple ports can be configured to support varying combinations of 10-BaseT, 100-BaseT and 100VG-AnyLAN Ethernet connections. Full duplex capability for each port supports potential 20- or 200-Mbps connection through external physical layer (PHY) devices to desktops or high-speed servers. An additional port can be configured for 400-Mbps full-duplex connection to an external switching fabric or for use as a high-speed uplink.
ThunderSWITCH designs are supported by a complementary external device, TI's new Quad PHY, which integrates four 10-BaseT physical layer chips onto the same silicon. Multiple Quad PHYs can be used with ThunderSWITCH to create a multi-port 10-BaseT Ethernet switch. Additional ports can be used for network management, high-traffic servers and enterprise connections.
These media control and interface functions in the ThunderSWITCH architecture help make equipment designs easier, ultimately providing network users with flexibility in connecting their networks and ease of upgrade for those connections. ThunderSWITCH gives OEMs the capability to design their products to replace repeaters for workgroups and groups of desktops, cascade for stackable configurations, connect to routers for wide-area connections, connect to enterprise segment switches, and function in a variety of other ways within networks.
The ThunderSWITCH architecture also integrates functions that help simplify network administration. Each port is capable of supporting virtual LANs (VLANs) for workgroup or segment switch applications. Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Remote Network Monitor (RMON) software agents are assisted into the ThunderSWITCH hardware. TI developed these agents jointly with Epilogue Technology Corporation, the market leader in network management technology. Improved performance results from a hardware Management Information Block (MIB) that gathers SNMP statistics on-chip. To improve network management and fault diagnostics capability, any port can be snooped via a built-in RMON probe.
The ThunderSWITCH design provides an extra port to process SNMP functions while supporting 12 desktop connections and two high-speed connections. ThunderSWITCH offers OEMs and end users a potent combination of networking silicon and network management software for management continuity in equipment upgrades.
Like TI's other ThunderNET™ networking products, ThunderSWITCH is designed to promote compatibility among standards and interoperability among platforms, helping simplify design. ThunderSWITCH leverages TI's existing networking IC designs, specifically those for the ThunderLAN™ family of Ethernet products. The ThunderLAN architecture integrates a 10Base-T PHY and an Ethernet MAC that is fully compatible with 100Base-T and 100VG-AnyLAN PHYs for ease of upgrade. Future ThunderLAN products are planned that will integrate additional PHYs for flexibility of design. TI has the broadest networking product line of all IC vendors, so that networking OEMs can turn to TI to meet their needs in all major networking areas. In addition to switching to the future with ThunderSWITCH and future-proofing high-speed Ethernet with ThunderLAN, TI is delivering leadership token ring solutions with ThunderRING™ products and driving ATM into mainstream networks with ThunderCELL™ products. TI's ThunderLAB™ Network Technology Center promotes interoperability among all these products, so that they all work together as seamlessly as possible.
TI's wide-ranging product expertise benefits OEMs in several ways. To simplify the design process and help OEMs get their products to market faster, TI provides complete networking solutions from the wire to the driver, regardless of the protocol. TI's experience in many areas of networking means that the company knows the issues encountered in upgrading and has taken them into consideration in IC design. In software development, TI products can present a unified interface to the host, simplifying system-level programming by making all types of networks appear the same way to the host.
TI's ThunderSWITCH architecture represents the newest direction the company has taken in developing IC products for networking equipment. ThunderSWITCH offers a single-chip switching solution for Ethernet, simplifying design and making upgrades easier so that OEMs, MIS managers and end users have the freedom to choose the networks they need. ThunderSWITCH demonstrates that as networking standards and topologies become more complex, TI is becoming the benchmark for simplicity, upgradability and flexibility.
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Trademarks:
ThunderSWITCH, ThunderNET, ThunderLAN, ThunderRING, ThunderCELL
and ThunderLAB are trademarks of Texas Instruments Incorporated.
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