| Network appliance uses Intel SoC |
Sep. 23, 2008
 Habey announced a network appliance platform sporting Intel's EP80579 SoC (system on chip). The BIS-7750 targets security, communications, and NAS (network attached storage), with five gigabit Ethernet ports, CompactFlash, PCI Express x4, and PCI Express Mini Card expansion, plus a 2.5-inch hard drive bay, Habey says.
(Click here for a larger view of Habey's BIS-7750)
Intel's EP80579 in standard and "Quick Assist" versions
(Click image for more information) |
Intel's EP80579, announced in July, is an SoC that integrates typical northbridge and southbridge functions with a Pentium M core clocked up to 1.2GHz. It includes a memory controller hub (MCH) supporting DDR2 RAM up to 800MHz, and there's an optional "QuickAssist" FPGA interface. See our earlier coverage, here, for more details.
Intel apparently expects the EP80579 to be a popular platform for network appliances, and, indeed, two such devices appeared last month. Lanner's FW-7570 is a 1U network appliance device available in configurations with six, eight, or 10 gigabit Ethernet ports, while the same company's NS04-5150 supports NAS applications with four 3.5-inch drive bays.
Habey's BIS-7750
Habey says its new BIS-7750 is applicable to security, communications, and NAS applications alike. Measuring just 9.64 x 7.55 x 1.96 inches (245 x 192 x 50mm), it seems less appropriate to the latter, however, because on-board hard disk storage is limited to a maximum of two 2.5-inch drives, supported by two available SATA II ports.
On the other hand, the compact device sports five gigabit Ethernet ports. Two of the ports have LAN bypass functionality, in case of device failure, adds Habey.
According to the company, the BIS-7750 runs fanlessly at all three available EP80579 clock speeds, 600MHz, 1066MHz, or 1200MHz. It accepts up to 2GB of DDR2 memory via a single SODIMM socket. In addition to the hard drive bay already mentioned, the device has a Type II CompactFlash socket, according to the company.
Like many other network appliances, the BIS-7750 does not have a VGA port. However, it includes a serial port, with RJ45 connector, that can be used to connect a console. A second serial port is offered via a five-pin header, and the device also has two USB ports.
Finally, the BIS-7750 has a PCI Express x4 expansion slot, plus a PCI Express Mini Card slot. The unit can be mounted in the standalone case pictured at the beginning of this article, in which case there is a single 2.5-inch drive bay. It also fits into standard 1U enclosure for rack-mounting, providing room for two 2.5-inch drives, notes Habey.
Features and specifications published by Habey for the BIS-7750 include:- Processor -- Intel EP80579, clocked at 600MHz, 1GHz, or 1.2GHz
- Memory -- Up to 2GB via single SODIMM slot
- Storage -- Bay for single 2.5-inch hard drive in standalone case, or dual 2.5-inch drives in rackmount version; also accepts CompactFlash storage via single Type II slot
- Networking -- Five gigabit Ethernet ports, two with LAN bypass feature
- Other I/O:
- 2 x SATA II
- 2 x USB 2.0
- RJ45 serial connector (COM1) for console
- Second serial port (COM2) with five-pin header
- Expansion:
- 1 x PCI Express Mini Card
- 1 x PCI Express x4 slot
- 1 x Type II CompactFlash
- Operating temperature -- 0 to 60 deg. C
- Dimensions -- 9.64 x 7.55 x 1.96 inches (245 x 192 x 50mm)
- Weight -- n/s
- Power requirements -- 12VDC
Further information
Habey did not release pricing information for the BIS-7750, but the device appears to be available now. Operating system support was not mentioned, but other devices using the EP80579 have been compatible with Linux, Windows XP, and Windows XP Embedded.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.
Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.
Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.
Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.
High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.
Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.
Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.
Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed