Network processor
Network Processor
A Network Processor is an integrated circuit which has a feature set specifically targetted at the networking application domain. Network Processors are typically software programmable devices and would have generic characteristics simliar to general purpose CPUs that are commonly used in may different types of equipment and products.
In modern telecommunications networks, information (voice, video, data) is now transferred as packet data (termed packet switching) rather then previously in older telecommuncations networks as analog signals such as in the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or Analog TV/Radio networks,
The processing of these packets has resulted in the creation of Integrated Circuits that are optimsed to deal with this form of packet data. Network Processors have specific features or architectures that are provided to enhance and optimise packet processing within these networks. The Network Processor has evolved as ICs with specific functions have resulted in more complex and more flexible IC being created that are programmable and thus allow a single hardware IC design to undertake a number of different functions (by the addition of software)
Network Processors are used in many systems such as:
- Routers and Switches
- Firewalls
- Intrusion Detection Devices
- Network Monitoring Systems.
Network Processor Manufacturers