The Intel® Tofino™ series of P4-programmable Ethernet switch ASICs deliver more flexibility for data centers. Monitor and control packet processing and update protocols in software to deliver customized performance for specific workloads at scale.
Unique Capabilities Go Beyond Fixed-Function Ethernet Switch ASICs
Protocol-Independent Switch Architecture (PISA)
Forwarding logic isn’t baked into the silicon. Adjust protocols in software and then compile to the switch.
High Bandwidth up to 100GbE Speeds
Multiple configurations allow for choosing the right-fit solution while benefiting from P4 programmability.
Broad and Precise Visibility at the Granular Level
Telemetry features give unprecedented access to monitor and track each packet in the pipeline.
Internal Table Memory
Generate packet lookup tables at a vast scale, without the need for external lookup functions.
Data-Plane Programmability
Code middlebox functions in the P4 logic plane, in addition to regular switching and routing.
Metadata Export Features
Use P4 programmability to export Ethernet switch metadata to orchestration platforms for finer control.
More Control and Visibility in Your Network
Update the forwarding logic in your Ethernet switch to suit your infrastructure needs. Need to change protocols or unsure of which protocols you’ll need in the future? Bypass the need to update the Ethernet switch chip and update the software instead. And Intel® Tofino™ provides better power efficiency than fixed-function Ethernet switch ASICs, so you don’t have to sacrifice network performance.
Optimize Your Network
- Run stateful ops in the forwarding plane
- Free up the CPU to perform other tasks
- Perform regular or middlebox functions
Deploy Updates with Ease
- Program new protocols in software
- Compile updates on the Ethernet switch
- The process is akin to a software upgrade
Unlock Rich Visibility
- Debug and fix problems fast
- Generate vast packet-lookup tables
- Export metadata in band and out of band
Related Links
Terabit-Speed Security Scaling
NoviFlow CyberMapper uses Intel® Tofino™ series-based switches rated for up to 6.5 Tb/s performance and software-defined networking to scale cyber defenses cost-effectively.
Optimizing Packet Flow to Reduce Cost
Programmable data planes and programmable compute resources are the key to reducing packet flow latency in Multi-Access Edge Computing.
Modernizing with Programmable Switches
Accton designed a server enabled by programmable switch ASICs to deal with the increasing performance needs of expanding network scale.
Resources
Documentation
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