Continuous Computing Integrates Load Balancing Into FlexTCA Family of Fully-Integrated Systems

Continuous Computing Integrates Load Balancing Into FlexTCA Family of Fully-Integrated Systems


Company Applies DPI Expertise to Cut Development Time and Costs for TEMs

MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS (BARCELONA) AND SAN DIEGO – Continuous Computing, global provider of integrated systems and services that enable telecom equipment manufacturers (TEMs) to rapidly deploy Next Generation Networks (NGN), today announced that it has integrated a number of software packages to support load balancing functionality capabilities into its FlexTCA family of AdvancedTCA (ATCA) integrated systems. By adding the load balancing functionality into its standards-based systems, Continuous Computing reduces development time and costs for TEM customers, thereby enabling carriers to more quickly and cost-effectively meet their deep packet inspection (DPI) application requirements.

The need for DPI is growing as network operators upgrade their networks in response to consumer demand for bandwidth-intensive applications such as Web-based video services. Crucial to implementing DPI functionality is load balancing, a technique in which each incoming data packet is reviewed and then distributed to an available processor, core, or thread for optimal resource utilisation and throughput. In an ATCA-based bladed system, the load balancing functionality is typically embedded into the system by the customer to maximise density and reduce costs. However, load balancing integration requires detailed knowledge of how to distribute traffic across a system, which involves complex load balancing algorithms and solution architecture configurations, thereby consuming additional resources and development time. By providing the option of load balancing capability pre-integrated into its FlexCore ATCA-FM40 10GbE base / fabric switch and FlexPacket ATCA-PP50 packet processor blades, Continuous Computing adds load balancing as another key differentiator of its FlexTCA family of 10GbE DPI and packet processing systems.

According to Jeff Heynen, directing analyst at Infonetics Research, load balancing is a complex algorithm which may be underestimated. “Load balancing configurations can be very time-consuming to develop and require specialised knowledge of how to distribute traffic across a system,” said Heynen. “The integration of this functionality into a system solution can lead to significantly increased efficiency in the development of network devices for supporting 10GbE DPI, traffic management, and security applications.”

With the move to 10GbE in the backplane driving ATCA platforms as the compelling choice for network element platforms, Continuous Computing has been helping its customers develop load balancing functionality for the company’s ATCA switches and packet processing blades. Continuous Computing’s value-added load balancing software can be ordered pre-installed on the FM40 and PP50 blades and is now available as an integrated solution within its FlexTCA systems. The technology is applicable to wireless access gateways, security devices, and network optimisation equipment.

“Continuous Computing understands the requirements for building systems as well as the need for scalability in DPI solutions,” said Mike Dagenais, president and chief executive officer at Continuous Computing. “We have the technical expertise to identify and implement open flexible solutions and work with customers to tailor these advanced capabilities for their specific needs.”

Continuous Computing’s FlexTCA systems are the industry’s first family of fully-integrated systems for creating IPTV, security, and wireless core applications. FlexTCA offers unprecedented levels of Trillium software and ATCA hardware integration to alleviate today's network bandwidth challenges and meet time-to-market demands for TEMs. The product family leverages the company’s strong expertise and tenure in Trillium software and telecom hardware architecture to deliver fully-integrated systems which exceed the value of any other alternatives currently available on the market.

For more information on Continuous Computing’s FlexTCA systems, visit www.ccpu.com or stop by the Continuous Computing booth in Hall 1 (Stand 1F04) at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain from February 11-14, 2008.