Multicore processors are more important than ever in networking systems due to the shift to virtualized networks using software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV). Virtual network functions (VNFs) may be running on servers in the data center, on network appliances platforms at the edge of the network or on universal CPE (uCPE) systems at the customer premises. 2017 saw the introduction of many new multicore processor architectures and product families for both networking and data center applications. A key challenge for equipment manufacturers and service providers is picking the right solution for both server performance and network bandwidth.
This report surveys high-performance multicore processors for virtualized networking and other networking applications. The report also reviews the strategy, product mix and product architectures of multicore processor, intellectual property (IP) and software vendors. As such, the report not only provides granular information on the components themselves – of interest to chip manufacturers and purchasers – but also provides insights into how the overall market for multicore processors is likely to develop – of interest to a wide audience, including carriers and investors.